Police said the rise in road deaths was unacceptable

Over the past six months there have been 10 deaths, which is double the number for the same period a year ago.

There has also been a 20% increase in the number of serious injuries.

Dumfries and Galloway Police's Insp Gordon McKnight said he was shocked by the figures and urged the public to report anyone driving irresponsibly.

"I recently checked the figures on collisions against the same period last year and was horrified by what I saw," he said.

OFFENCE INCREASES BETWEEN 2005 AND 2006 Fatal accidents: Up 100% Serious injury: Up 20% Drink driving: Up 25% No seatbelt: Up 178% Using mobile phone: Up 77%

"Between April and mid October this year we have seen 10 people killed in road traffic collisions.

"That's twice as many as the same period in 2005 and it's just not acceptable."

He said the situation was particularly of concern with the winter months approaching - traditionally a more dangerous time for drivers.

"Obviously a number of factors are involved in each incident but all too often the cause of the collision is related to loss of control or driver behaviour," he said.

"I am very concerned about the collisions we have dealt with already this year but the winter months are much more challenging."

'Selfish behaviour'

Insp McKnight asked the public to help tackle the situation - particularly in relation to drink and drug related offences.

"Driving while under the influence of drink or drugs is a very serious offence and it contributes to an increase in collisions on our roads," he said.