No second chances on Suffolk’s roads

No second chances on Suffolk’s roads

Young drivers across the county are being urged to think twice about risky driving as Suffolk Police joins national campaign.

Starting Monday14 September 2026 and running until the 4 October 2026, Suffolk Police is supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council campaign which aims to highlight the risk to young drivers on our roads.

Created by the Safer Essex Roads Partnership and inspired by gaming culture, we’re using  ‘There are no respawns’ to challenge perceptions around what makes a good driver and encourages passengers and friends to speak up when they witness dangerous behaviour behind the wheel. The initiative highlights a simple but important truth: while games offer unlimited chances to restart, real life does not.

The campaign focuses on young drivers aged 17 to 25, who continue to be disproportionately represented in serious and fatal road traffic collisions

The message is clear, there are no respawns. Real skill is not about speed. It's about staying in control, making good decisions and getting everyone home safely.

Officers are encouraging young people to challenge risky behaviour, speak up if they feel unsafe and support safer driving habits among their peers.

Research consistently shows that speed is a significant factor in many serious collisions involving younger drivers, with overconfidence, distraction and peer pressure often contributing to poor decision-making behind the wheel.

Chief Inspector Gary Miller, of the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: "Young drivers make up a relatively small proportion of licence holders, yet they remain overrepresented in serious collisions. We want young people across Suffolk to consider what it truly means to be a skilled driver.

"Driving fast is not impressive. Real driving skill is about being in control, anticipating hazards, protecting your passengers and arriving safely.

"This campaign also empowers passengers and friends to speak up when something doesn't feel right. A genuine friend would rather have an awkward conversation than see someone seriously injured or killed.

"Every journey involves choices, and every choice matters. There are no respawns on our roads."

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “We must all remember, driving a vehicle on our roads needs to be taken really seriously. We all need to be fit to drive; and our vehicles need to be fit of the road. 

“I do understand the excitement young people experience when they first pass their driving test. Even after all these years, I can clearly remember the thrill of getting my driving licence and the feeling of independence that it gives. It really is a defining moment in the life of most young people, but sadly, the statistics show it brings with it potential risk.

“I wouldn’t want to take away from that excitement, but it is really important to consider those risks. I would ask all young drivers to do everything they can to keep themselves safe.

“My message to new drivers is, be patient, it takes time to build experience, as an inexperienced driver you are so much more vulnerable, take care, drive carefully and keep safe.”