Could saving lives be your New Year’s resolution

The public are being asked to put safety on the region’s roads at the top of their list of resolutions for 2026.

Last year both the numbers of people killed and seriously injured on the roads of West Yorkshire fell by 20% and 9.5% respectively.

However 40 people still died and 1,278 were seriously injured.

Drivers and the public are being urged to support West Yorkshire Vision Zero’s aim of improving safety and preventing more deaths.

Simple actions such as avoiding the ‘fatal five’ – speeding, drink/drug driving, using a mobile phone, being careless and not wearing a seatbelt – can make all the difference.

It’s also key to ensure you properly maintain your vehicle, regularly checking tyres and fluids as well as being prepared for bad weather.

Alison Lowe OBE, Chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Board and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “Last year, 40 people didn’t get to see 2025 and everyone that cared for them continues to suffer their loss.

“Through Vision Zero, we want to end the devastation of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

“Let’s work together to make a real difference in 2026.”

If you want to go further, you can get involved in Op Snap where you can submit your dashcam footage of unsafe drivers to West Yorkshire Police. 

The recordings are reviewed to see if an offence has been committed and whether it will be possible to progress with action against the offender.

If speeding is an issue in your area, you can report it to your local council through a process known as community concern sites. 

This information will be assessed and can lead to different interventions, but if suitable, mobile safety cameras will be deployed.

Another round of child car seat checks events are also taking place from February 2026. These are free and an expert will check your seats and give you specialist advice.

You can also show your support for keeping everyone safe on our roads by signing the Vision Zero Pledge. Pledges can be dedicated in someone’s memory which will be added to a memorial webpage.