CARELESS Calderdale drivers have caused an increase in deaths and serious injuries on their district's roads.

Last year, 1,203 people were killed or injured on Calderdale's roads.

Of these people, 13 died and 111 were seriously hurt - the rest were slight injuries.

Most of the people who suffered slight injuries were car drivers or passengers who were not wearing seatbelts or had their headrests in incorrect positions.

Most of the crashes happened in 30mph zones - and within three miles of the drivers' homes.

The major cause in one third of all the injuries was speeding - two thirds of drivers in Calderdale break the speed limit regularly.

Another cause was drivers following cars too closely - resulting in them shunting the car in front when it stops suddenly.

Peter Shepherdson, Calderdale Council's road safety officer, said: "The faster you go, the less likely you are to be able to stop and the more damage you will do when you hit somebody.

"About 400 people in Calderdale were injured because people drove just a few miles an hour too fast.

"Most of these crashes were caused by honest citizens who regard themselves as good drivers. Clearly most drivers have room to improve. A major attitude change is needed by everyone.

"The fact that nearly everybody does it does not make it right."

Last year, 166 pedestrians were hurt - 65 of them were aged under 16 and 30 of them were aged over 60.

Twenty-three bus passengers were injured by falling as they got on or off buses.

Motorcyclists also came off badly - with 88 injured last year.

Most of the accidents happened on Fridays between 4pm and 5pm, as people leaving work are thinking about the weekend rather than their driving.

In addition, people leaving work early are more likely to encounter school children on the roads.

Mr Shepherdson said these figures show that drivers need to pay more attention to vulnerable road users.

He said: "Nearly all crashes were down to unintentional human error. Sadly Calderdale drivers do not take enough care.

"Drivers should wake up to the carnage they are causing."