The Fatal 5 refers to the five most significant factors which lead to death and serious injury in road traffic collisions in Wales.

Get to know the Fatal 5

Don’t Drink/Drug Drive – Don’t risk being one of the 100,000 drink or drug drivers caught each year. You could face a minimum 12 month ban, a large fine, a criminal record or even imprisonment.

Kill Your Speed – You are twice as likely to kill someone you hit at 35mph than you are at 30mph. Just a 1mph cut in average speed can result in a 5% reduction in the collision rate.

Don’t Get Careless – A vehicle can become a lethal weapon when driven carelessly. Getting a fixed penalty will result in a £100 fine and three points on your licence. Causing death by dangerous driving can mean a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Belt Up – You are twice as likely to die if you don’t belt up. Not wearing a seatbelt can be a fatal decision, even on short, familiar journeys and at low speed. As a driver you are responsible for ensuring that passengers under the age of 14 are wearing a seatbelt (or using the correct child restraint for their height and age.) On the spot fines are £100, but if prosecuted, the maximum is £500.

Switch It Off – You are four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone whilst driving, whatever you’re doing with it. The consequences for using your phone behind the wheel are a £200 fine and 6 points on your licence. And if you cause a death, you could face up to 14 years imprisonment.

 

If you suspect someone is driving while using their hand-held mobile phone:

  • Report it on 101, or 999 in an emergency
  • Submit video or photographic evidence bit.ly/walesmobilephone – only if it is safe and legal to do