Cops top 999 crash table

Emergency service vehicles aren’t just rescuing motorists from road accidents, they’re involved in large numbers of them – and the traffic cops top the crash league!

Latest Government figures reveal there were more than 2,000 accidents involving fire, ambulance or police cars on UK roads in 2006. Astonishingly, more than 80 per cent of these involved the police, and 274 cases were either fatal or caused critical injuries, according to the Department
for Transport statistics. That’s compared to only 91 crashes involving fire engines – none of which was fatal – and 274 involving ambulances.

The Association of Chief Police Officers says it’s reviewing its pursuit rules. Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Steve Green told us: “Police vehicles cover many millions of miles every year, and most collisions are caused by reckless criminals trying to evade capture.” But he added: “Far from being complacent about the situation, we have carried out
an extensive review of the guidelines for police pursuits.”

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police has been testing the latest offering from rally car expert Mitsubishi. The Lancer saloon received a top performance rating from drivers after it was put through its paces at Millbrook proving ground, Beds.