DANGEROUS driving has claimed the lives of 26 people on Cumbria's roads in the last 12 months and injured more than 1,000 others.

Cumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall revealed the tragic number of fatalities as he pledged to provide further funding for Brake, a service in Cumbria that supports victims of road traffic collisions and bereaved families.

Mr McCall, said: “Anti-social driving is one of the biggest issues residents of Cumbria raise with me.

“In my role as PCC, it is my job to take these concerns to the chief constable and help tackle road crime numbers and support victims of all crimes.

“National Road Victims Month is a time to remember those who have been injured or lost their lives on the road.

“These deaths are tragic and these accidents are completely avoidable by driving to conditions and following the laws that are in place to protect us all.

“But we know that road accidents do happen and although the police are constantly trying to reduce these numbers, there has to be a service available to support those who have been affected by dangerous driving which is why I commissioned Brake for Cumbria."

Support from Brake can range from linking in with local health and social care services and local charities to explaining legal practices for court visits, if applicable, and help with understanding of legal documents regarding wills and finances.

Call the Brake helpline on 0808 8000 401 for support.