More than 100 serious accidents

While new Welsh Government figures show a decrease in the number of road accidents last year, a local fire chief said that it has been a busy summer so far.

Figures show that there were 333 less road accidents involving personal injury last year than in 2014, and 526 fewer casualties.

But there were still 5,543 accidents across the country and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Road Safety Manager, Neil Evans, said that “despite the careful efforts made by the Fire Service and our partner agencies, we still consider this figure as too high”.

“So far this summer since June 1, as a Service we have attended 102 road traffic collisions, 41 of which involved a fatality or a person seriously injured,” he revealed.

“Road traffic collisions are extremely costly; financially, to both the Government and those involved, but more importantly, a price cannot be placed on the human cost to an accident. Especially if the accident results in a fatality or a serious injury.”

“According to ROSPA  95% of all road accidents involve some human error, this means that most road traffic collisions are avoidable and can be prevented. We are urging the public to follow our very simple safety advice to avoid being in a road accident, and to help us bring down the number of accidents we are seeing on local roads.”

The service has asked MyWelshpool to share the following simple advice:

·      If you have a tendency of running late, make an effort to leave earlier

·      If there is a problem with your vehicle, get it checked

·      If you are driving under harsh weather conditions, then adjust your speed

·      If you don’t know the road, drive vigilantly

·      Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Mr Evans added: “Do not let yourself become distracted on the roads; never use a mobile phone while driving, and if you know someone is driving do not contact them until they have completed the journey.

“Remember that speed limits are there for your protection, and violating them is a crime

There is no excuse not to drive cautiously”. 

The Service says it is welcoming feedback and our readers can contact Mr Evans on n.evans@mawwfire.gov.uk.