Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging all drivers to take care when out on the roads, after three people lost their lives locally this week.
The fire service says it has worked with the police and ambulance service at a number of road traffic collisions since lockdown restrictions started to ease, and two such incidents across its area have led to fatalities.
On Tuesday 18th August 2020 the driver of a Peugeot 107, a woman in her 50s from the Wareham area was killed in a crash near Blandford, after colliding with the driver of a Ford Ka, an elderly woman who was critically injured and airlifted to Southampton General Hospital.
In a separate incident on the same day, the driver of a Skoda, a man in his 40s from the Ferndown area and the driver of a BMW, a woman in her 50s from Warminster in Wiltshire were both killed when they collided near Kingston Lacy.
“Horrendous events of the last week”
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s road safety manager, Christine Sharma said:
“Our deepest condolences go to all the families who have been affected by the horrendous events of the last week. It’s a brutal reminder of how dangerous our roads can be and, while we don’t yet know what led to these crashes happening, all drivers can do their part to keep themselves, their passengers and other road users safe. Please take some time to think about our advice before and during journeys.”
Drivers are being warned that if they’ve been working from home in recent months, with only the odd trip to the shops or to care for someone, their driving skills may not be as sharp as usual. In addition, a vehicle should be checked thoroughly, especially if it has spent most of its time parked up.
Christine Sharma added:
“The main reasons for injuries and loss of life in road traffic collisions are known as the ‘fatal four’ – use of mobile phones, non-use of seatbelts, excessive speed and drink/drug driving. We have produced a series of digital leaflets to help drivers understand the potential implications of certain behaviours, and we would encourage everyone to take a look.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service digital leaflets
