Bad drivers are the biggest cause of road accidents in Swindon

Figures from the Department for Transport revealed that 210 accidents in and around the town in 2017 were caused by motorists failing to look properly while driving.

Driving carelessly or recklessly contributed to 125 incidents, which is the second-most common cause.

Several other accidents were caused by the driver or rider failing to judge another vehicle’s speed, bad turns or manoeuvres, and travelling too fast for the conditions.

Six people were killed and 56 others were seriously injured as a result of the 507 road accidents in Swindon last year.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “As we move into the winter months, with darker mornings and evenings and the likelihood of adverse weather conditions, we would urge all drivers to take care on the roads.

“Wiltshire is a very rural county so motorists should always be alert to potential hazards around corners and blind bends. Always keep to the speed limit and make sure you take account of the prevailing road conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.

“It seems like obvious advice, but people need to be alert and observant to make sure they keep themselves and others safe on the roads."

When reporting an accident, police choose from 78 contributory factors which caused them.

An accident is registered when at least one person suffers a slight injury in an incident with a vehicle.

The injury does not have to involve cars. It could be a bike colliding with a pedestrian, or someone falling over while cycling.

Across the south west, the most common reason was the driver not looking properly.

Road and weather conditions didn’t factor into many of these incidents.

Pete Williams, RAC road safety spokesman, said: “More people lose their lives and are injured on Britain’s roads in accidents caused by driver or rider error than for any other reason.

“Last year nearly two thirds of the fatalities on our roads were put down to mistakes.

“Sadly, the picture doesn’t seem to be improving as these figures are fairly typical of recent years’ data.

“While everyone makes mistakes, motorists need to realise the potential consequences of losing focus on a complex and demanding task.”