A POLICE chief appealed to motorists to slow down after the 26th smash on Teesside's roads in 48 hours.

Inspector Eric Robinson, head of the Cleveland Police traffic unit, said common sense seemed to have gone out of the window.

He said: "These types of collisions can be avoided if drivers slow down when the roads are wet and slippery, and leave a sufficient gap to enable them to stop safely. It is common sense but, unfortunately, some drivers seem to be lacking in that department.

"We've been fairly lucky so far, in that most of these bumps are minor, but sooner or later, someone will be seriously injured or even killed if people don't start driving responsibly."

His appeal to motorists to slow down and take more care followed a four-car collision which resulted in minor injuries but blocked the eastbound stretch of the busy A66 for 70 minutes during yesterday morning's rush-hour.

Inspector Robinson said that drivers are not taking note of the slippery road surfaces and are driving too close to the vehicles in front, not giving themselves time to brake and stop safely.

He said: "Many motorists seem to be oblivious to the road conditions and drive too fast.

"They leave an insufficient gap from the vehicle in front and, when they have to stop, they cannot do it safely and end up skidding into the back of the car they are following."

He added: "Another issue that is making matters worse is drivers leaving their vehicles in very dangerous positions after minor collisions.

"They are leaving their cars in the outside lane of the A19 and A66 while waiting for the police. This causes other drivers to swerve or brake heavily and results in massive tailbacks.''

Two people escaped with minor injuries from the four-car collision on the A66, near the Preston Farm slip road, on the edge of Stockton.

A male driver received treatment at the University Hospital of North Tees for severe whiplash injuries and a woman motorist was x-rayed at the same hospital after receiving a bump on her head. Both motorists were driving Vauxhall Corsas.

The crash blocked the east-bound carriageway of the A66, creating four-mile traffic jams.