POLICE have issued a stark warning to drivers after five deaths on Dorset roads in just 16 days.

“The simple fact is that most collisions could be avoided,” said Inspector Matt Butler as he stressed motorists should be more patient and courteous.

The first nine months of this year saw eight people killed but five tragic accidents in October has seen the number rise to 13.

Insp Butler, of the Dorset Police Road Traffic Unit, said drivers should not take unnecessary risks and said no one should think it will never happen to them.

He told the Daily Echo: “Road safety is a Force priority and we will continue to ensure that people are driving safely and within the law.

“Every fatal road traffic collision leaves at least one family devastated.

“Families of offending drivers are also affected, particularly if the driver is sent to prison.”

He said many victims of collisions may also suffer from life-changing injuries which can be very hard for victims and their families.

“Traffic police family liaison officers will continue to support families through difficult times, but the simple fact is that most collisions could be avoided,” he added.

“I would ask all motorists to drive with courtesy and patience.

“Don’t take unnecessary risks or think it will never happen to you – it happens to people in all areas of the community.”

Inspector Butler said the Road Policing Team works seven days a week to tackle what is known as the fatal five - drink and drug driving, excessive and inappropriate speed, not wearing a seatbelt, driver distractions such as using a hand-held mobile phone and dangerous/careless driving.

“We also respond to community concerns and target collision locations,” he said.

On October 7 motorcyclist Kieran Pittick, 36, of Schelin Way, Shillingstone, near Blandford, died at the scene of a collision with a tractor on the A357 in Stalbridge.

His friends took part in a memorial rideout from Sunrise Business Park in Blandford on Sunday morning.

In the early hours of October 8, Peter John Dennett, 49, from Shepton Mallet in Somerset, died after his Ford Transit van was involved in a collision with a Ford Ranger pick-up truck in Ringwood Road, near Three Legged Cross.

Wednesday, October 12 saw the tragic death of a seven-year-old boy, called Toby, after he was involved in a collision with a car in Sherborn Crescent in Canford Heath, Poole.

The Canford Heath Infant School pupil was described as a “delightful, warm-natured and popular little boy” by executive head teacher Kate Carter.

On October 13, a 21-year-old cyclist died after being involved in a collision with a car in Barrack Road, Christchurch.

On Sunday evening, 23-year-old motorcyclist Joe Howe, from Poole, died following a collision with a car in Lindsay Road, Poole.

A 21-year-old man, travelling with Mr Howe on the motorcycle, suffered life-threatening injuries.

At the time of going to press, he was receiving treatment at Southampton General Hospital after he was airlifted from Branksome Recreation Ground following the crash.