A MONTH-long campaign is targeting law-flouting motorists across the region.

West Yorkshire Police are upping efforts to crack down on unsafe drivers as part of Operation Spotlight, a national initiative focusing on the principal causes of serious injury and fatal collisions.

Officers from the roads policing unit, with colleagues, are tackling what are termed 'the fatal five' – speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, drink and drug driving, using a mobile phone/distracted driving, and careless driving.

In addition to normal patrols and enforcement, days of action are being staged to educate motorists.

Temporary Inspector Matt Jerram, of the roads policing unit, says: "We are committed to reducing the number of fatal and serious casualty collisions on our roads and are targeting the five main causes of those collisions.

"All too often roads policing officers have to deal with the aftermath of fatal and serious injury collisions. Many of those we attend have involved at least one of the 'fatal five' offences.

"As a force we're committed to educating motorists on the dangers of these actions, but we will not hesitate to take enforcement where it’s appropriate to do so.

"Everyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle needs to be aware of the very real consequences their behaviour and decisions can have on other people.

"That’s why we urge all motorists to help keep themselves and others safe by ensuring they do not drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they ensure seatbelts are correctly worn, they don’t use mobile phones while driving and that they drive within the speed limit and with care and consideration for other people.

"Serious or fatal collisions can be caused by a moment’s distraction. All we want is to ensure you get to your destination safely."

West Yorkshire Police are committed to working with partners to deliver Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries on the region's roads.

Alison Lowe, West Yorkshire's deputy mayor for policing and crime, says: "We all have a part to play in making our roads safer, both the authorities and road users.

"One death on our roads is one too many.

"We know, through the surveys my office runs, that road safety is a key issue for residents. We're committed to tackling and educating people around the 'fatal five' and avoiding the misery and devastation that any one of those factors can cause."