I have beaten cancer three times – and I refuse to be flattened on the A49

A CRASH victim is appealing to motorists to keep their eyes on the road as they drive on the A49 near Leominster.

Janet Smart, who lives on Hay Lane, off the A49 on the Ludlow side of the town’s most northerly roundabout, has had two cars written off.

Both accidents happened as Mrs Smart was turning right into the small lane off the main road – the last on July 6 and the first about three years ago.

“The cars have been total write-offs. It is the most frightening thing when you have your foot on the brake and you see another car coming up behind you and there is nothing you can do,” said Mrs Smart.

“We take our lives in our hands getting in and out of Hay Lane. You only need to have this happen one more time and we could have a death.

“I have beaten cancer three times and I refuse to be flattened on the A49.”

Mrs Smart says although motorists anticipate vehicles turning right into major junctions, they don’t always do so for small roads like Hay Lane.

“Often you get somebody going into the back of a car and nobody reports it to the police so they don’t have that many reports of accidents,” said Mrs Smart.

“Many times I have seen a crumpled car at the end of Hay Lane. They are always pushed into the lane because it is convenient before a pick-up truck comes to take them away.

“The message is never take your eyes off the road. Just keep your eyes peeled in front of you.”

About 17 Hay Lane residents have cars and they need to take care turning out of the lane as well as in, she added.

“It’s a real issue getting out. Speed is a real problem. There are no double white lanes so you have to make sure nobody is overtaking before you move,”

said Mrs Smart.

For more information about road safety: ■ Herefordshire Council, on 01432 260947, offers courses for drivers who have just passed their test and people older than 70.

■ Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) at marsbasics.org.uk ■ Time and Place, which makes road safety presentations to young people, can be contacted on 01432 820573.

■ The police’s seven deadly sins campaign can be viewed at westmercia.

police.uk ■ A leaflet explaining how Herefordshire woman can improve their safety when driving on the county’s roads alone is available. It has been produced in conjunction with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and includes information about keeping safe in the event of a breakdown or accident and travelling with children. It is available from GEM Motoring Assist on 01342 825676.