COUNTY Air Ambulance has issued a warning to drivers and passers-by about the problems and dangers associated with rubbernecking, which not only causes congestion but can lead to further accidents.

Paul Weir, fundraising development manager for County Air Ambulance said: "It's human nature to want to see what the cause of any delay is, but for the paramedics and other emergency services workers that are dealing with incidents, those who slow down to look at what is happening are creating further problems for everyone else on the roads."

He explained: "It is for this reason that the charity County Air Ambulance is appealing to the public's good nature not to slow down when they see an accident, but to continue safely on their journey."

Mr Weir said: "Accidents that County Air Ambulance attends are often more horrific and can be in some very difficult situations and environments."

He added: "Although, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents there are no official statistics, it is well known that rubbernecking causes tailbacks and shunts and this can cause problems not only for fellow drivers but for yourself too."

Mr Weir's warning was endorsed by police who said slowing down unexpectedly, particularly on motorways where traffic was generally moving very quickly, was always a potential source of danger. Police spokesman Carl Baldacchino said: "We would urge people not to slow down and look at any other activity on the other carriageway or on the side of the road. Slow moving traffic can be a danger and only adds to the problems."