Giant screens at crash sites to end 'rubbernecking' danger

"Rubbernecking" - when motorists slow down to view accidents, occasionally with disastrous results - could become increasingly rare under plans for a national roll-out of giant safety screens that can be erected around crash scenes within minutes.

Rubbernecking can cause further accidents as distracted motorists collide with vehicles around them. But experts also believe that increased use of the screens will reduce congestion, particularly at peak times, by ensuring that drivers continue at their normal speed.

Pilot schemes trying the 75m-long "incident screens" on the M25 and M1 motorways have been successful and the Highways Agency plans to make them available at accident hot spots across the country. "Trials on the motorway network show that using the screens prevents road users from being distracted by the scene of an incident," a Highways Agency spokesman said. "This means drivers concentrate on the road ahead, and so improves safety and reduces congestion, particularly when incidents occur at peak times."



He added: "The success of the trials means that we hope to increase the use of screens at incidents across some of the busiest sections of our network."

The screens, which can be attached to central reservations or stand alone are carried on trailers. Erected in less than 20 minutes, they are fitted with holes that allow wind to pass through them so they do not blow over. The intention is to use the screens at accident sites that will take at least two hours to clear.

Motoring organisations gave news that the screens would soon be used on most parts of Britain's motorways a cautious welcome. "Anything that reduces congestion and prevents accidents has got be applauded," said an RAC spokesman. "Yet as very few people have ever driven past one, it is difficult to judge what driver reactions will be."