Concern from police and residents about growing dangers of anti-social driving

Cumbria Constabulary have said they are visiting homes 'all too often' in relation to crash fatalities these days - a figure which is on the rise to pre-pandemic levels again within the county, according to a report by the Department of Transport. 

Following the release of the 2021 road casualty report, in 2021 there were 22 fatal road casualties recorded within Cumbria, a figure which has increased by five in comparison to 2020.

An Aspatria resident, spotted a burnt out car wreckage in Plumbland earlier this week (October 11), to which they believe is a case of 'anti-social drivers' due to skidmarks along the road near the crash site. 

"There have been a few burnt out cars spotted near West Cumbria villages over the past few months. I think it's boy racers using the county B road network like a racetrack.

"Driving at reckless speeds along winding country roads seems to be a rite of passage for some of these young drivers and it is only a matter of time before somebody gets killed," they said. 

Wreckage spotted in Plumbland (October 11). (Image: Newsquest)

The resident indicated that the wreckage still remains there as of October 14. 

Chief Inspector Gill Cherry of Cumbria Police said: "The best drivers do not think of the speed limit on a road as a target, or solely in terms of what is legal, but are always considering whether the speed they are driving at is appropriate for the conditions at the time.

"Thinking in these terms will make you a better, as well as a safer driver.

"However, road safety and ensuring everyone reaches their destination safely is the responsibility of us all as road users.

"Our officers attend the homes of those who have lost loved ones to road traffic collisions all too often. It is one of the most difficult tasks any police officer can undertake.

"We can all do more to reduce the number of fatal collisions on our roads – beginning with giving serious consideration to our speed, and the appropriateness of that speed, every time we get behind the wheel.”

Cumbria Police’s Road Safety Camera vans are in operation throughout the county on most days of the week, to help promote safe driving and reduce serious and fatal collisions.

They are focused on hotspots, including where the local community have identified an area of concern.

The purpose of the vans is to make roads a safer space, which is why the Constabulary publicises on social media where the vans will be on any given day.

READ MORE: Fatalities on Cumbria's roads returning back to pre-pandemic figures