Using the unmarked HGV cab, provided by National Highways, roads policing officers captured 171 drivers during a four-day operation committing selfish acts that can lead to fatal and serious collisions.
During the operation held between Monday 13 and Friday 17 May, officers used the HGV cab to travel up and down the motorway network, including the M1, M18 and A1. The cab provides officers with a vantage point, allowing them to see into HGVs and larger vehicles, as well as into cars below.
Of the 171 drivers stopped, 28 were caught using their mobile phone while driving, 39 were found not to be wearing a seatbelt, 13 were captured driving without due care, 11 were dealt with for driving on the hard shoulder and eight were not in proper control of their vehicle.
In addition to the above, three drivers were dealt with for speeding, three for having an insecure load and one for driving through a red X.
Of those stopped, 126 were HGVs and 45 were cars.
Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: “Everyday officers deal with someone who has taken the decision to risk other people’s safety and lives on the roads.
“We are always keen to make the most of being provided the National Highways cab and every time we carry out these operations, we see hundreds of drivers risking their own and other’s safety.
“The Fatal4 includes offences that are the greatest contributing factors to fatal and serious collisions within South Yorkshire; using a mobile phone, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt.
“We have sadly already seen 16 people lose their lives on our roads during 2024, and we’re doing all we can to increase road safety and reduce casualties.
“You can’t control other people’s actions, but you can control your own. Think before you get into your vehicle. If you kill or seriously hurt someone, you will likely be facing a significant prison sentence.”
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