Action plan to reduce road deaths after latest multiple fatal crash

New work is planned to improve road safety has been announced by South Yorkshire’s road safety chief after Rotherham’s third multiple fatal crash in just ten months.

The latest tragedy happened on Saturday, when a BMW saloon went out of control on East Bawtry Road, Wickersley, before bursting into flames.

Occupants, named locally as Jacob Skidmore and Jacob Patching, both understood to be 19, were killed.

The crash follows an incident in August where three occupants died when a car went out of control on Denaby Lane, near Kilnhurst. They were all males, aged 17, 21 and 23.

Last December, two people died when a Toyota being driven at high speed on Todwick Road collided with a tree after veering off the road, on a bend.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority already has a Vision Zero strategy, with the objective of eliminating all fatalities and serious injuries on the county’s road.

One strand of that is working with young people, but the county’s Deputy Mayor, Kilvinder Vigurs, has announced a fresh initiative.

She is responsible for policing and also chairs South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership.

She said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of two young lives following the collision in Rotherham on Saturday evening.

“My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and everyone affected by this devastating incident.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the terrible impact that fatalities on our roads have on families, communities and emergency service personnel.

“In recent years, we have seen a number of heartbreaking incidents involving young people across South Yorkshire.

“Every loss of life on our roads is a tragedy, and we recognise that one fatality is one too many.

“While it is important that we do not speculate on the circumstances of this collision while the police investigation continues, we must remain committed to doing everything we can to improve safety across our road network and prevent future loss of life.

“As Chair of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, I am working with partners across the region to deliver a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

In the coming months, we will be introducing our new regional action plan, supporting evidence-led interventions, and investing in measures and infrastructure designed to make our roads safer for everyone.

“My thoughts remain with all those affected at this incredibly difficult time.”

Rotherham MPs have also spoken out following the tragedy, with Sarah Champion stating: “It is tragic that we are repeatedly seeing young people losing their lives in road traffic accidents.

“The wave of grief that envelopes the families, and across our communities, is immense. I will do all I can to support the Mayor with his efforts to eradicate road fatalities.”

Colleague Jake Richards, who represents the Rother Valley constituency, said: “ The Rotherham community is reeling after the collision on East Bawtry Road that claimed the lives of two young men.

“The victims of this incident are, of course, my main priority, and my thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this difficult time.

“This is not the first collision that has occurred on this stretch of road, and I have requested an urgent meeting with South Yorkshire Police and RMBC to discuss what can be done to minimise the chances of future incidents.

“This accident demands an immediate response, and it is important that all options are considered to keep our roads safe.”