Incident on the A34 on June 26 2019

The spate of collisions in Staffordshire in recent weeks is extremely concerning. There have been several injuries in the last fortnight alone, ranging from minor to extremely serious and tragically in two cases people have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging motorists to take extra care following a recent spate of road traffic collisions throughout the county in the last two weeks.

Since June 21, there have been 30 road traffic collisions in the county, two thirds of which involved casualties - sadly two of them were fatal. Understandably, the most dangerous time of day for this type of incident is around 8am, when most people are trying to get to work, take their children to school etc. Motorists may be distracted, trying to make up for lost time, not fully awake/aware of the traffic situation or weather conditions.

We would urge motorists to:

• Make sure they leave enough time for their journey
• Allow extra time for restrictions/roadworks
• Observe the speed limit
• Take the weather conditions into account
• Concentrate - don’t get distracted
• Not use mobile phones or any other devices whilst driving
• Not drive when tired
• Always wear a seatbelt
• Keep children in the appropriate car seats/booster seats
• Maintain your vehicle and check it regularly
• Not drink and drive

In the three months from April to June this year, there were 188 road traffic collisions, with an additional 12 already having happened in July.

Director of Prevent and Protect, Glynn Luznyj said: “The spate of collisions in Staffordshire in recent weeks is extremely concerning. There have been several injuries in the last fortnight alone, ranging from minor to extremely serious and tragically in two cases people have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time.

“Please follow our safety advice. We know when the weather is sunny, people are eager to get to their destination. But, just because the roads are not wet that doesn’t mean they aren’t still dangerous.

“Take extra care and remember the speed limit is exactly that, a limit, not a target. Adjust your speed as necessary. We want to make sure you get to where you’re going safely and without needing to see us. After all, it is better to arrive somewhere late than never.”

For more information on road safety visit: https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/safety-outside/road-safety/