POLICE are urging motorists to take extra care on the roads following a rise in the number of people injured in accidents.

Although the number of people who died in road traffic collisions fell in the first four months of 2007, those seriously and slightly injured has increased.

Between January 1, 2007, and April 30, 2007, 20 people died after being in road accidents compared with 22 people in the same period last year. However, 183 people were seriously injured between January and April of this year compared with 156 people in 2006.

The number of people slightly injured has also risen ,with 1,150 people receiving slight injuries from January to April this year compared with 1,110 people in 2006.

West Mercia police sergeant John Roberts, the force's casualty reduction manager, said: "While it is encouraging to see that fewer people were killed in road accidents at the start of this year, we are concerned that the number of people seriously and slightly injured has increased.

He said police would be targeting well-known collision hotspots.

The force will also continue to raise awareness of road safety through its Seven Deadly Sins campaign, which highlights the major causes of road traffic collisions.

The seven factors are: speeding, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, poor driving, driving an illegal vehicle, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt and not heeding motorcycle safety advice."

To find out more about driving safely go to www.west mercia.police.uk