DEVON and Cornwall Police is supporting National Road Victim month in August after 48 people were killed on roads in the two counties last year. 

As many as 689 were also seriously hurt in crashes in the force area in 2023. 

Acting Chief Constable Jim Colwell described how crashes “shatter lives and families” but said many were “preventable”. 

“I do not want any member of our community to experience the heartache of having one of my colleagues knock on their door to deliver the tragic news that a loved one has died or been seriously injured on our roads,” he said. 

“Drivers caught committing offences could receive a fine and points on their license, a court appearance or even imprisonment for more serious offences. 

“We would like to take this opportunity to ask all drivers and riders to play their part in helping us to keep our road network safe.” 

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, who is also chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, added: “Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy.  

“These are not just numbers, these are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, children, best friends and loved ones. 

“We believe every life lost on our roads is both unnecessary and avoidable, which is why all members of Vision Zero South West are striving to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries by 50 per cent by 2030 – and eventually to zero. 

“We know this is an ambitious target, but it’s one we are determined to achieve.”