Holsworthy Police teach drivers the importance of road safety

DELIVERING a death message is one of "the worst duties a serving officer has to carry out" says a Holsworthy constable.

The importance of speed and road safety was loud and clear when the town's police team organised a day of random vehicle checks.

Several people were issued with tickets and many more were given stern warnings about the dangers of driving too fast around Holsworthy's rural roads.

PC Andy Moakes and PCSO Emma Tomkies patrolled the Bude Road area with a hand held recording device on Thursday, February 7.

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PC Moakes said: "During that period we issued several tickets for excess speed and several warnings with regards to defective headlights.

"While we were there we were approached by several members of the public who were very supportive of the police action."

In the afternoon the team held random school bus checks along the A388. PC Moakes said many students had taken their seatbelts off, having left the school collection points.

He said: "A human who weighs 12 stone travelling forwards at a speed of 30mph will, upon a dead stop, weigh the same as a fully grown elephant. How many people would stand in front of a charging elephant?

"I took a few moments speaking with students and used the elephant example as way of helping the younger students understand the rules of cause and effect.

"As I have been a serving police constable for more than 16 years I have attended numerous road related incidents. Sadly some of these proved fatal and others were serious injury incidents.

"I can honestly say that having to deliver a death message is one of the worst duties a serving officer has to carry out.

"If everyone experienced the devastating effect such a message has, then I am certain everyone would take more care when out and about in or on their modes of transport.

"Several of our local drivers have expressed their concern over students removing their belts once the bus is in motion.

"I am certain that parents would want us to ensure that everything that could be done was being done to help keep their offspring safe.

"Holsworthy police are committed towards keeping our local area safe and where possible help reduce road related incidents."

The team plans to hold more speed and safety checks. PCSO Beverley Bray is also looking into a road safety event aimed at motorbike riders.