THE TOLL of misery on the seven-mile stretch of the A35, linking Bere Regis to the Bakers Arms Roundabout, is well-known to motorists and residents alike.

When coupled with its blind junctions, hills, and hidden twists and turns, the fast-moving traffic has long made this tree-lined route a treacherous one.

Even before this week's fatal smash, this seemingly innocuous rural highway has claimed a string of victims.

From January to August, this year, 28 casualties - including four serious ones - have been treated following crashes.

Statistics from 2004 to 2006 show this particular stretch was above the national A Road collision rate average and considerably worse than Dorset's average A Road crash rate.

This latest crash has prompted fresh calls to improve safety.

Purbeck District Council's Lytchett Matravers and Morden ward councillor John Hyde said: "This is clearly a tragedy.

"This is a very dangerous road and I feel Dorset County Council needs to show more urgency in solving the dangers.

"The trouble is the road gives the appearance of being quite straight and invites people to speed, but there are so many hidden dips and bends.

"Whenever I have a road safety meeting, the A35 is always the first thing to come up."

In an interview with the Daily Echo before Tuesday's fatal crash, Chief Inspector Rick Dowell - the county's road policing head - said Dorset's roads were becoming death traps.

He warned: "Young drivers are more inclined to be involved in accidents on these roads because of their inexperience.

"There are a host of natural obstacles such as animals, severe bends, trees and narrow roads."

But the county council insists it is working to bring injuries down along the notorious stretch.

County council casualty reduction officer Sue Virgin said: "We have cut back trees, repainted road markings, introduced reinforced cats' eyes at Morden Park Junction, deployed mobile speed camera units, and introduced dedicated lessons for drivers using the A35."

Since last October, 99 motorists have taken advantage of the one-to-one lessons.

Miss Virgin said: "We started this course after the A35 showed unacceptable accident rates.

"You take the lesson in your own car next to a trained instructor. They point out how to manage the bends and teach hazard awareness.

"The correct positioning on the road can help if you are suddenly faced with oncoming traffic on your side."

  • For more information about the one-to-one driving initiative, telephone 01305 224558.