A NEWLY appointed police chief has called on motorists to keep death off the roads.

Twenty-seven people have been killed on roads throughout Teesside so far this year, with many more seriously injured.

Inspector Eric Robinson, the head of Cleveland's Road Policing Unit, is appealing to drivers to help put the brake on the growing number of deaths and casualties.

Insp Robinson said: "Road collisions don't just happen. In every case there is a cause and excess speed, drink and drug driving and not wearing seat belts are the main reasons why people suffer serious injuries.

"This is not rocket science. It is the plain and simple truth and people need to realise this and take notice - before they or their loved ones become casualty statistics.

"Irresponsible driving costs lives," he said.

"Despite all the warnings that are given, people are driving too fast while not wearing seat belts and many are still using mobile phones. What will it take for people to start taking notice?"

The police chief said too many people had the attitude it would not happen to them, adding: "Unfortunately it does happen to people - all too frequently."

Insp Robinson, a police officer for more than 25 years, said he and his team wanted to be able to focus on catching criminals - not be diverted to looking into road accidents.

He said: "Criminals and their activities are a blight on society. Most criminals drive cars and I would like to be in a position to focus my officers to deny them the use of the roads.

"The public can help a great deal in achieving this aim. If they comply with the laws of the road that are there to reduce casualties it will free officers' time to target the travelling criminal.

"I would therefore urge all motorists to slow down, give themselves time to react and avoid the inconvenience and the heartbreak that road collisions cause."

He said: "Don't drive if you are under the influence of drink or drugs; don't use a mobile phone while driving, unless it is 'hands-free', and wear your seat belts - they are there to save your life."