FATAL crashes across County Durham and Darlington more than doubled in a year, according to new figures released today.

Drivers have been urged pay extra care and attention while behind the wheel after the number of deaths on the road rose dramatically during 2015.

In the last financial year, the number of fatalities on the county's roads stood at 31 - compared to 14 for the previous year.

The overall number of recorded road traffic collisions in which people were killed or seriously injured also increased by 72 incidents.

The figures were unveiled as part of Ron Hogg’s Public Performance Report for 2015/16.

Mr Hogg, the area’s Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, issued a warning over the shock statistics.

He said: “I am saddened by the number of deaths on our roads, many of which could potentially have been avoided.

“Whilst our area is predominantly rural, the police data shows that there has been no clear pattern to the types of fatal accidents during the last financial year.

“Therefore, I am calling on all road users to ensure they take plenty of time for their journeys, to avoid making rash decisions when driving and to pay extra care and attention so that we reduce the number of needless fatalities and injuries.

“We all want everyone to get home safely.”

Colin Bage, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, echoed Mr Hogg’s concerns.

He said: “Many people are travelling across County Durham and Darlington on busy roads leading very busy lives.

A lapse in concentration, a risk taken to save a few seconds of time, driving too fast or too close to other cars are all actions which can lead to road traffic collisions altering lives for ever causing death or terrible life-changing injuries.

“We see the consequences of collisions on our roads every day and the pain and disruption that they cause.

“We would urge everyone to slow down and take extra care – many people take risks in their cars that they wouldn’t take in any other areas of their life.”

For more information about the statistics and to see other performance data in relation to the PCC role, visit durham-pcc.gov.uk.