All front-line Police Officers keep our communities safe. Tonight I offer great thanks to South Wales Police, particularly PC Simon Shaughnessy for arranging for me to ride along on a Traffic duty night shift.
I was given an authentic insight into the range of issues faced by Traffic Officers and the unknown challenges they face on each shift. From dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drink and drugs, car theft, burglars making their getaway, vehicles used in drug trafficking, to vehicles potentially carrying firearms.
In 2022, an estimated 290–320 people were killed across Great Britain in collisions involving at least one driver over the drink-drive limit. Wales has the highest drink-drive injury level in the UK. Roadside testing for drugs is now routine and rightly so, as more than 1,640 fatal and serious crashes each year are linked to drugs. Events tonight were dominated by drunken drivers crashing their cars.
Having personally clocked up over thirty-years service as a Road Accident Doctor, I have seen first-hand the devastating consequences of drink and drug related traffic incidents - unnecessary deaths of innocent drivers, pedestrians and horrific injuries that have lifelong consequences to individuals, their family and friends. Thankfully, tonight’s incidents did not result in injury - more from luck than judgement.
I have every respect for officers who deal with these incidents and many more. Their calm professionalism in the face of unacceptable aggression and abuse, from individuals who could easily have killed any one of us or our families members, is beyond admirable.
On a positive note the state-of-the-art technology available in today’s police vehicles, allow for all important instant communications and teamwork. These were fully utilised by the officers whose work was of the highest standard; even though the current financial climate and constrained police funding, means officers are spread thinly while policing large geographical patches.
As we approach Christmas increasing numbers of people chance their arm by drink and drug driving. It’s never the right thing to do at any time - so please think twice and don’t turn your Christmas Festivity into a Christmas Nightmare - for yourself or others.
Diolch yn Fawr Iawn South Wales Police Traffic Officers.