The Hereford Times is launching a Safer Driving Campaign after a dramatic increase in the numbers of fatal accidents on local roads last year.

Working with partners including the Institute of Advanced Motorists, the Hereford Times will encourage readers to play their part in reducing this toll.

Editor Liz Griffin said: “We wanted to do more than just report events – we want to play our part in making the county’s roads safer for everyone.

“All sorts of factors contribute to road accidents but improving driver skills and awareness of road conditions will, we hope, have a significant effect.

“We will also be identifying the roads on which most accidents have occurred and asking the authorities what’s being done to improve them.”

Deputy news editor Mark Bowen, who is heading the campaign, said: “Reporters regularly come into contact with those who have lost loved ones and are fully aware of the devastating consequences of collisions on our roads.

“We will try to encourage safer driving in the hope these tragedies will happen less frequently.”