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Danger of ignoring roadworks revealed

Footage from roadside cameras along England's motorways shows the consequences when motorists speed or don't pay attention when they encounter roadworks.

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Source: AAP


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Film footage showing the shocking consequences of motorists not slowing down or paying attention when driving through roadworks has been released by Britain's Highways Agency.

One bit of film shows a lorry overturning, while another shows a truck ploughing into the back of a car.

The footage prompted a government minister to warn drivers that "saving a few seconds on your journey is simply not worth it".

The footage has been taken from cameras situated within roadworks on England's motorways and major A roads.

It has been made available in a bid to remind drivers of the importance of taking extra care through roadworks.

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The footage includes a motorist failing to spot traffic slowing ahead and crashing into the back of queuing traffic and a lorry ploughing into the back of a car, sending it crashing into roadworks just metres away from roadworkers.

The agency highlighted some cases of those affected by roadworks' crashes.

In one case, Roger Pomeroy was helping direct traffic past the scene of an overturned vehicle on the A303 in southwest England shortly before midnight.

He was hit by a car travelling about 64km/h. The car carried him almost 100m and then threw him to the ground. He suffered head injuries and broke his leg in two places.

"My most vivid memory was of Maxine [my partner] at the hospital just crying and crying. I didn't know whether I was going to survive or die," he said.

Mr Pomeroy needed 38 stitches in his leg and head and was off work for six months while his leg healed. He underwent extensive physiotherapy and counselling and has since returned to full duties.


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