South Yorkshire Police Go All Out to Curb Road Deaths
South Yorkshire Police are stepping up their game this week with horses on the roads, plain-clothed officers cycling undercover, and proactive patrols all over the region. The mission? To make roads safer as part of Project EDWARD—Every Day Without A Road Death.
Double Whammy Safety Push: Project EDWARD Meets Speed Awareness
Running from 17 to 24 October, Project EDWARD is a national initiative aiming to slash road deaths across the UK. This year, it teams up with the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s speed awareness campaign, doubling efforts to cut fatalities and serious injuries. The focus is clear: educate every road user—from drivers and cyclists to pedestrians—on how their actions impact lives.
Changing Minds, Saving Lives
The theme for 2023 is “Changing minds, changing behaviour.” It’s all about teaching how simple changes behind the wheel or on foot can prevent needless trauma for victims and their families.
Roads Policing Sergeant Matt Duffy said: “Creating safer roads is one of our core policing efforts. We unfortunately see the devastation that road traffic collisions can cause to victims and their loved ones. We aim to raise awareness around speeding, seatbelts, drink and drug driving, and using mobile phones while driving. These are behaviours we can stop and change, making a big difference for everyone’s safety.”
On the Frontline: Patrols, Schools & Safe Passing
- Safe pass operations educating drivers on how to correctly overtake horses and cyclists
- Visits to schools to raise awareness among pupils
- Vigilant policing across South Yorkshire’s roads
- Stopping, educating, and enforcing all road users—not just drivers
Sergeant Duffy added: “It’s important to note we don’t only target drivers. Every road user plays a part in creating safer roads.”
Community Support Backing the Drive to Save Lives
The initiative is powered by a partnership with Safer Roads South Yorkshire. Tom Finnegan Smith, Chairman of the SRP Strategic Board, said:
“We are proud to join colleagues across the UK supporting Project EDWARD. Everyone has a role—from road users and planners to educators and enforcers. Let’s work together to end serious collisions on South Yorkshire’s roads.”
Sergeant Duffy’s parting message is simple but powerful:
“Think about the small changes you can make to drive safer. One life lost on the road is one too many. Help us make sure everyone returns home safely.”
