POLICE are leading an effort to cut the number of serious injuries and deaths caused by easily preventable road crashes.

There were 5,250 crashes which caused injury reported to the emergency services in Sussex last year.

Of those, 42 led to a death, and 1,107 caused serious injuries.

Sussex Police s backing the Project Edward campaign, which stands for "every day without a road death".

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder wants to raise awareness of Project Edward this week.

The Argus:

He said: “It is shocking to think of the number of fatal crashes across Sussex last year.

"The victims are all someone’s family, someone’s friend, and the preventable loss of life significantly impacts those close to the individual and the wider community."

"Many collisions could easily have been avoided by having a proper knowledge and understanding of basic rules of the roads."

Chief Insp Hodder said the "fatal five" include drink or drug driving, using a mobile phone at the wheel, speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt, and inconsiderate driving.

He added: "Even one fatality is one too many, which is why we continue to support Project Edward’s mission.”

In recent months The Argus has reported on the tragic death on Antoney Colley who was hit by drink and drug driver Mathew Gardiner at 100mph.

Meanwhile Sadri Gjana caused serious injuries to his friend after driving at 100mph on the A23 and mistaking a layby for a slip road.

Read more on The Argus:

There will be high visibility patrols on the roads, supported by the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership.

The campaign includes education and enforcement of the law to stop errant motorists putting themselves and others at risk.

The Argus:

Sussex and Police Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “I’m pleased to see our partners working together and pledging their continued commitment to road safety.

"One road death is one too many. By pledging today to use our roads responsibly, whether as a driver, cyclist or pedestrian, we can start to make a collective effort to minimise the risk of a collision that can have life-changing consequences.”

To support the day and the work carried out by Surrey Police and Sussex Police, you can follow @ProjectEdward on Twitter.