IN shocking figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Mercury, Highways England have revealed just how dangerous our stretch of the M5 is.

After a string of fatal accidents during the last few years, including the 2011 crash which killed seven people, questions have been raised as to why this section of motorway is so treacherous.

We looked at the M5 in both northbound and southbound directions, between junction 22 at Burnham and junction 26 at Wellington.

Contributory factors, which were recorded over a four year period between 2011 and 2014, show that the top accident cause was people failing to look properly.

39 incidents were recorded.

The second highest cause was failing to judge the other person's path or speed with 37 incidents, followed by loss of control with a record of 32.

Interestingly, being impaired by alcohol was a contributory factor in only five incidents, being impaired by drugs caused only one, despite being an issue that is widely discussed.

Animals or objects in the carriageway caused two incidents, and fatigue caused 16.

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists driving safety, said: "It isn't actually a surprise that this is the number one cause in this area because it's a number one cause everywhere.

"The police put it down as the reason most often but it cab cover a range of possible reasons.

"Human error and not concentrating are common, however you would expect it not to be such a big figure on a motorway because there's no corners or turning junctions.

"I would have expected tiredness to be a bigger figure, but what's on paper isn't always entirely accurate.

"If the police arrive and it's been a fatality then it's hard to say and hard to determine the exact speed."

Mr Greig urged people to pay attention whilst driving.

"We need to think about paying attention on the motorway," he said.

"Accidents can occur because of human error, but arguably, the cost of things at motorway service stations puts people off stopping.

"We should be encouraging people to stop."

PC Tony Freeman, of Bridgwater Police, said: "Accidents can be caused by a mix of things, but from what I've heard that part of the M% does seem to be worse than others.

"It's dangerous and often, weather conditions play a big part."

Mike Bristow, spokesperson for Brake the road safety charity, said: "Driving requires full care and attention at all times, particularly on roads with higher speeds.

"Any type of impairment through drink, drugs, poor eyesight or failing to observe correctly greatly increases the risk of an incident.

"All drivers need to make sure that they give driving their full and undivided attention."