Road deaths down in Greater Manchester

Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester

GMP’s pledge to make the roads safer has helped reduce deaths by 38 per cent in the last nine months.

Twenty two fewer victims have lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester this year compared to the same period in 2011.

Operation Dice, a hard-hitting campaign to improve road safety and encourage drivers to slow down, belt up and switch off their mobiles was launched in April 2012 following an increase in fatal accidents the previous year.

Enforcement across Greater Manchester has been increased and officers have been doing breath tests, speed checks and using roadside cameras to stop people from driving carelessly. Fixed penalties have been issued for seat belt offences and using a mobile phone while driving.

As the dark nights, treacherous road conditions and festive party season approach, police are appealing to motorists to drive responsibly to help make the roads of Greater Manchester even safer.

Chief Inspector Rachel Buckle from Greater Manchester Police’s Road Policing Unit said: “Although a reduction in the number of deaths is good to see, there are still far too many people losing their lives on our roads.

“Behind every life lost is a family who have had to deal with tremendous pain and what makes it even more traumatic is that in many instances these lives could have been saved by following simple road safety advice.

“Operation Dice continues to make Manchester’s roads safer and as we enter the winter months I want to remind motorists that the dark mornings and evenings, icy roads and Christmas party season can have devastating consequences for drivers and pedestrians alike.

“Stick to the speed limit, wear a seat belt, avoid using a mobile and don’t drink and drive – it may seem simple but it could be the difference between life and death.”