SHOCKING figures released this week show the number of road deaths in Hampshire has risen dramatically.
And police are urging drivers to take more care in an effort to stop the disturbing trend.
Between January 1 and August 31 this year there were 75 fatal collisions across the county, up 23 on the same period last year.
But in the East Hampshire area the number of fatal collisions has more than halved, falling from 14 to just six for the same period.
Sgt Kory Thorne, Hampshire PoliceÕs casualty reduction manager, said he was disappointed with the overall figures.
ÒItÕs disappointing to see that the number of fatal collisions isnÕt falling, as so much grief and heartache is caused by these incidents. This year we have seen an increase in motorcycle fatalities, rising from nine in 2002 to 20 this year. As a result of this Hampshire Constabulary has appointed a full time bike safety officer to develop a strategy to reverse this trend, and we would ask the public to take more care on the roads.
ÒHowever, we are reassured to see that the number of serious injury collisions is declining, and we are especially pleased that fewer children are being injured.Ó
Police analysis of the collisions revealed that the vast majority were caused by excessive or inappropriate speed or lack of observation.
But they found 10 per cent of collisions involved drink or drug driving.
Hampshire police said they had arrested 2743 people for drink and drug driving in the last year and would continue with campaigns to target the problem.
Police are also warning drivers to be extra vigilant in winter conditions, urging drivers to make only essential journeys in very bad weather and to ensure cars are roadworthy paying particular attention to tyre tread and pressure.
And this week the GovernmentÕs ÒTHINK!Ó road safety campaign urged children to Òbe safe, be seen,Ó on dark winter mornings and evenings. A spokesman for the campaign said that 83 children in Hampshire were killed in pedestrian accidents during last winter.
HampshireÕs Road Safety Team is backing the campaign and is offering 10 per cent off reflective and fluorescent clothing at its online shop until November 7.
For more information visit http://www.hants.gov.uk/road">www.hants.gov.uk/road safety.