YOUNGER drivers are being urged to take extra, after a "concerning increase" in the number of motorists getting hurt.

It comes after what Wiltshire Police describe as "a much higher number of young drivers being killed or seriously injured" in recent months.

With the easing of Covid restrictions, the Force's Roads Policing Unit is appealing to younger road users and new drivers to take extra care when out driving.

The Force added that is has also seen a "noticeable increase" in drivers younger than 30 being caught speeding, as well as driving under the influence of drink and drugs.

Over one weekend alone, eight young drivers were stopped for driving in excess 100mph on the M4 and A303.

The wrecked Vauxhall Corsa on the A350. Picture by Trevor Porter

The wrecked Vauxhall Corsa on the A350. Picture by Trevor Porter

'Very concerning development'

Sgt Will Ayres of the Roads Policing Unit said: “This is a very concerning development.

“Recently we were called to a three-vehicle road traffic collision in Yarnbrook involving young drivers and passengers in which the initial impact with a tree was so high that the engine left the car before rebounding back into the carriageway and striking another vehicle.

“One driver suffered a number of serious injuries whilst the younger passengers suffered minor injuries. Six other drivers were arrested for drink and drug driving offences.

“In the last week an 18 year old man, who only passed his driving test in October, was stopped driving 57mph in a 30 limit in St Ediths Marsh Bromham by the Specials Road Safety Unit. The driver was with three young passengers on board, and he said he was distracted by loud music and didn’t realise he was nearly double the speed limit."

A350 Multi-car crash: The wrecked engine from the Vauxhall Corsa that was torn from the car during the high speed accident. Picture by Trevor Porter

A350 Multi-car crash: The wrecked engine from the Vauxhall Corsa that was torn from the car during the high speed accident. Picture by Trevor Porter

Sgt Ayers added: “I would like to remind all drivers on the roads of Wiltshire, especially younger drivers to be aware that there may be a skill fade from not driving as routinely as they once did due to the lockdown. I would also urge everyone to check that their vehicles are roadworthy.”

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit along with officers from the Community Policing Teams are out patrolling the roads of Wiltshire and are actively looking to identify offences that contribute to death and serious injury on the roads to ensure that the road users of Wiltshire are kept safe.

Spped gun

Spped gun

Get more Salisbury news and nominate your local heroes for the South Wiltshire Hero Awards.

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.