Police say simple measures could cut the death toll

Since January, 35 people have died in collisions on the county's roads. The total for 2003 was 31.

Police say the number is expected to rise even further because of seasonal increases in crashes during the winter months.

The figures coincide with a Department for Transport report which shows rural roads are claiming more lives.

No extra space

According to the Department for Transport (DfT) report, 63% of road deaths happen on rural roads.

Inspector Paddy Craig, head of Devon and Cornwall Police's traffic department, said there was no doubt that crashes on the county's rural roads can be very serious.

He said: "If you're driving at speed and you clip a kerb, you're probably going to bounce off a hedge or hit something coming the other way.

People should ...strap in children in cars - it's an unforgivable dereliction of duty of a parent Inspector Paddy Craig,

"It's not like being on a dual carriageway, there's just no extra space on small rural roads."

The DfT report also says young people are most at risk, and are under the misconception that it is safe to speed on rural roads.

Some motorists and Transport Minister David Jamieson think education is the answer.

Andrew Wayman, 22, was involved in a serious crash at Goonhavern on 18 April. His 19-year-old girlfriend, Thea Lodey, who was driving, was killed in the collision which happened during a hailstorm.

He suffered several serious injuries, including a fractured skull, and was in a coma for three weeks.

He said: "Thankfully, I can't remember anything of the accident, but I know I've been in one and it has affected my driving.

"I'm a lot more cautious and courteous now."

He said he thought young motorists should be given the chance to experience difficult driving conditions in a controlled environment.

Speed limits

Mr Jamieson said: "It's getting people to understand the conditions of the road.

"But it's also getting much more rigorous enforcement on the road, including cameras and a police presence.

"We're also looking at engineering and getting better road designs in particular areas where there have been casualties."

Inspector Craig said there were simple measures which everyone could take - all of which would cut the county death toll.

He said: "People should wear seat belts and strap in children in cars - it's an unforgivable dereliction of duty of a parent that I see day in and day out."

Cornwall County Council also warned drivers to slow down.