KSI - Killed and Seriously Injured
Our commitment
Sussex Police are committed to reducing the number of killed and seriously injured (KSI) incidents on the county’s roads and making the road network safer for all road users.
In 2019 there were a total of 5,250 injury collisions reported to police in Sussex. Of these, 42 were fatal and a further 1107 resulted in serious injuries. These are numbers are too high and have far reaching consequences for family and friends.
There are five principal causes of KSIs known as the Fatal Five:
- Inappropriate speed
This is not just speed in excess of the speed limit but is about driving at a speed that suits the conditions and the type of road. For example, driving slower if it’s foggy or raining, or if you’re driving near a school.
- Drink and/or drug driving
It is proven that when driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs it takes longer for the brain to receive messages from the eyes and processing information becomes more difficult.
- Not wearing a seatbelt
A person is twice as likely to die in a collision if they are not wearing a seatbelt.
- Distraction, including use of a mobile phone or device
Being distracted when driving is a significant risk and without proper attention to the road it is easy to make mistakes. Handheld mobile phones or devices increase the risk substantially.
- Careless and/or inconsiderate driving or riding
It is important to consider all other road users and to share the road with all forms of transport – pedestrian, pedal cycle, powered two wheelers, horses, cars, vans lorries, etc. The road is a shared space and many of the users are more vulnerable than motorists.
Sussex Police’s new Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) carry out disruption and enforcement operations on roads across the county, targeting those involved in serious, organised and violent crime.
The SEU, a mix of highly-trained police officers and detectives is equipped to be a one-stop-shop to fight road crime – with the ability to identify, intercept and apprehend offenders, seize drugs and stolen goods, and investigate the crimes through to conviction.
The unit is the latest in a series of police enforcement teams to be launched across Sussex in the past year funded by the Government’s Uplift programme and local precept investment.
The team has a blend of specialist skills and can use a range of tactics to tackle criminals using the road network, including advanced driving skills and the use of a police dog unit to track offenders and search vehicles.
The SEU forms part of wider investment to support local policing priorities, to strengthen local policing, tackle crime and prevent harm, disrupt serious and organised crime and to support victims and safeguard the vulnerable.
How can we reduce KSIs?
Sussex Police are focusing on making the roads safer for all road users by concentrating on evidence as to where offences are happening to effectively target activity; engineering out a problem working with partners and using technology to solve an issue; engagement with communities and being a visible presence on the roads; education where appropriate, applicable and enforcement.
By proactively targeting, disrupting and bringing to justice those intent upon posing a risk to other road users across the county, Sussex Police will make the roads an inhospitable place for criminals to carry out their activities.
Sussex Police work in partnership with road safety experts in the public and voluntary sectors who provide additional support in casualty reduction and longer term driver behavioural change across Sussex.
The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP)
Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP) provides important road safety information and guidance on how to keep yourself and others safe on the road. SSRP brings together teams from Brighton and Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Highways England, Sussex Police and West Sussex County Council, including West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.
Working together, SSRP strives to create a safer environment for all road users, reduce the risk of life-changing injuries and eliminate fatalities. Using the wealth of knowledge and experience within the partnership, SSRP provides advice and support to all road users across Sussex.
- Visit the SSRP website
- Follow the SSRP on Twitter @SussexSRP
Community Speedwatch
Community Speedwatch (CSW) is a county-wide initiative involving community members working collaboratively with Sussex Police to monitor speeds of vehicles using speed detection devices. Vehicles exceeding the speed limit are referred to the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership with the aim of educating drivers to reduce their speeds.
Keeping the roads safe for everyone is everyone’s responsibility. Whether people are driving for pleasure or business, driving an HGV, riding a motorbike, driving a car a scooter, cycling or as a pedestrian. Everybody has their part to play in observing the basics of road safety.
Find out more about CSW in your area, join an existing scheme or start your own by emailing [email protected]
Monthly Roads Policing Update
The Monthly Update provides communities with a snapshot of the collective activity that we’ve undertaken across Sussex. This includes vehicles stopped for speeding, people driving without insurance, and penalty notices for those not wearing seat belts.
The update is published every month and features an advice section, captures a snapshot of local activity, and explains how you can engage with us.