THE 'fatal four' is the subject of a new safer driving campaign.

Hampshire and Thames Valley Police is highlighting the dangers of the risky driving behaviour associated with the ‘fatal four’ in effort to reduce road death and injuries.

A movie style film trailer has been released to highlight the fatal four – inappropriate speed, seatbelts, drink/drugs and mobiles and to encourage drivers to think about the impact and avoid committing any of these offences altogether.

In 2016 the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit for Hampshire and Thames Valley Roads Policing commissioned a report to the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) on how best to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads in the long term.

The report found that more than 460 road users would avoid being either killed or seriously injured each year if drivers drove safely and significant reductions in casualties could be realised if risky driving offending behaviour under the ‘fatal four' was reduced.

Road Safety Sergeant Rob Heard, said: “We run campaigns throughout the year to target poor driving behaviour as well as focusing on the Fatal Four. To assist in getting the message out there we have created short film to highlight the dangers involved and the devastating consequences it can have to all involved.

“Throughout the year we will, in association with this trailer, be releasing personal stories told by families affected by the tragedy of a fatal road traffic collision to share their account of the impact it has had on them losing a loved one.

"We'd like to thank everyone that has helped contribute towards this campaign and to give extra special thanks to the families who've shared their heartbreak and the devastating reality of the everyday impact these horrific road collisions cause.

“We can only make a difference on making our roads safer for all if we look out for each other, share the roads and focus as individuals on how we ourselves can drive and ride safer.

“Sadly, many collisions are caused by those who are committing offences and this has a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families.

“Please drive safely, and remember ‘It’s not worth the risk’."