THERE were more than 150,000 traffic accidents last year, with fatal accidents increasing six per cent while the number of collisions in which people were seriously injured dropped slightly. According to police statistics, 328 people died in traffic accidents last year, more than 3,800 were seriously injured, and more than 16,600 slightly hurt.

The most common causes of accidents were following other vehicles too closely, driving too fast, and crashing while doing an illegal turn. Police said speeding was still the most common traffic offence.