Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has voiced concern over a surge in the number of serious and fatal Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) in recent months.

MAWWFRS has already attended 439 RTCs since April 1this year, 65 of them involved extrication, 20 of which involved fatalities.

Last month alone MAWWFRS attended 88 RTCs, with extrication rates 20 per cent above average.

The news comes after a spate of road accidents in the past few weeks in Carmarthenshire.

Former Cross Hands Hotel landlord Ian Williams was killed in a collision with a passing car on August 29 while walking home from Llandeilo and the following day a motorist required hospital treatment after a car overturned on the A40 at Halfway near Llandovery.

Youth Engagement Manager and Firefighter Alan Sherman emphasised just how traumatic RTCs are to everyone involved.

“I have attended many Road Traffic Collisions in my 17 years as a firefighter, but the incidents that stay with me the longest always involve children.

“There is nothing more heart-wrenching than hearing a child call out for their unconscious mother.

"Nor is it easy to comfort a parent crying hysterically for their child to wake up.

“You see these situations and just think, why?

“Some people are in the wrong place at the wrong time, or others simply don’t process that not only is speeding breaking the law but it is putting human lives at risk.

“It is sad that people do not understand the consequences of their actions.”

Head of Protection and Prevention Chris Margetts had the following advice for the county's motorists.

“There is absolutely no excuse for driving irresponsibly,” he said.

“If you have a tendency of running late, make an effort to leave earlier.

“If there is a problem with your vehicle, get it checked.

“If you are driving under harsh weather conditions then adjust your speed; If you don’t know the road, drive vigilantly; Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“There is no excuse not to drive cautiously.”