County safest place to drive

Worcestershire has emerged as the safest place to drive in the UK – with the risk of accidents half of that in some parts of the country, according to a new report.

Safety campaigners today welcomed the findings which follow a cut in the speed limit on many roads in the region.

Worcestershire's highway authority introduced a policy of reducing limits to 30mph on all main routes through its villages.

It has also taken controversial steps to slash speeds on busy county roads like the A449, where the speed limit has been reduced from 70 to 50mph on some sections between Kidderminster and Worcester. In some places the speed limit on the road has been cut to 40mph.

The RAC Foundation has been studying the Department for Transport's 2006 safety statistics for English regions and local authorities – and has found wide discrepancies in accident rates.

Worcestershire emerged as the safest county in which to drive during 2006, while neighbour Warwickshire was third.

The figures have been issued as the festive period approaches – the most stressful time in the motoring calendar according to safety experts.

And drivers have been warned that they could double their risk of a winter accident simply by driving home for Christmas.

Worcestershire's highway authority Andrew Long, area road safety officer with Worcestershire County Council, said: "Obviously we are delighted that we are in the top three safest regions in the country. It obviously shows that what we are doing to improve safety is working."

The RAC Foundation today warned drivers to take extra care.

Head of campaigns Sheila Rainger said: "Christmas is traditionally a time to visit friends and family, but motorists must expect the unexpected."