A SYMBOLIC wreath -- shaped in the number 91 -- lies in the memorial garden of Preston Cemetery.

It's a poignant reminder of people who have died or been seriously injured in accidents on Lancashire's roads last year.

This week health chiefs and other emergency workers who have to deal with such tragedies on a day-to-day basis, joined together to launch a hard-hitting road safety campaign.

The 'What cost a road accident? The flowers at your funeral!' initiative is the heart-wrenching message to motorists to highlight the emotional and physical costs to those involved in a road crash.

The campaign, launched on Wednesday, World Health Day, also aims to focus on the paramedics, nurses and police and fire officers who have to deal with the aftermath.

One man who can relate to the devastation caused in a road traffic accident is hospital nurse Mike Dickinson.

As a member of Preston Emergency Trauma Team (PETT), based at Royal Preston Hospital, Mr Dickinson has witnessed dozens of road accidents.

He is an accident and emergency clinical tutor, one of only a handful of nurses nationwide trained in immediate medical care. He often attends crash scenes as a back-up to the ambulance service.

"PETT is a complementary service," he said. "There are things ambulance staff are not allowed to do that I can.

"Over the years I have seen both ends of the spectrum, from the walking wounded to those trapped in cars with multiple injuries, and witnessed some very tragic scenes.

"I would urge people to slow down and use safety devices in cars. It's just not worth it.

"It's also very disheartening when you see children in the back seat with no seatbelt or sitting in the middle of the two front seats."

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Tony Curtis said last year their two accident and emergency departments cared for 4,603 victims of road accidents, each one costing the NHS an estimated £1.2million.