Accident woman in life fight

A woman is fighting for her life after she was thrown out of her car when it ploughed off a Staffordshire road.

The accident happened on the A38 near Weeford Island at 10.50pm yesterday.

The 21-year-old from Hednesford was driving a Y-registered blue Peugeot 206 northbound on the dual carriageway when the accident happened.

Sergeant Barry Dutton of Staffordshire Police said: "Just prior to Weeford Island, it left the carriageway and went into a ditch.

"The driver of the vehicle was thrown out of the vehicle into the carriageway of the A38."

The woman suffered life threatening injuries and was taken to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham.

The busy A38 is a notorious accident blackspot route. Three weeks ago a lorry driver was taken to hospital after his HGV was involved in an accident on the A38 at Barton under Needwood.

In October, a man died when he was hit by several vehicles on the A38 as he walked home from a pub.

Terrance Rhead, aged 61, was killed as he walked along the A38 near Streehay after leaving The Anchor Inn.

Safety signs were recently installed between Weeford and Bassetts Pole islands by the Highways Agency. It followed safety concerns and a study into incidents near to quarry entrances on the road.

A vehicle-activated, flashing sign was installed on the southbound carriageway of the road while a traditional junction warning sign has been put on the northbound carriageway to alert motorists.

Witnesses to yesterday's accident are asked to call Lichfield police on 08453 302010.