The AA has urged drivers to 'get a grip' after five multi-car crashes on Buckinghamshire's road network in one week.

In what continues to be a tragically unrelenting few days for road traffic incidents, emergency services were called to the M40 near Beaconsfield last night to rescue three people from their vehicles after a two-car collision.

It followed the closure of the A404 near Handy Cross roundabout on Sunday after a crash involving a car and a motorcycle, a six-vehicle collision on the same stretch on Friday, where a man in his fifties lost his life and three other incidents on the M40 since last Wednesday.

And a spokesperson for motoring association the AA has now commented on the "plague" of emergencies, suggesting they should be put in the "wider context" of recent issues across UK-wide roadways.

Luke Bosdet, speaking on behalf of the company, said: "The UK strategic road network has been plagued by a series of multi-vehicle crashes in recent days.

"It is no coincidence that these have happened in a period of bad weather, poor driving conditions and darkness falling earlier.

"Drivers need to get a grip on what is needed to meet these challenges. That includes monitoring their speed when conditions demand it, leaving more space between them and the vehicle in front and allowing more time for journeys."

Thames Valley Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses to the A404 crash on Friday, October 4, which saw a man lose his life and a woman treated for minor injuries.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Lyndsey Blackaby, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the man who has tragically died in this collision.

“They are being supported by a specially trained family liaison officer.

“We are in the early stages of our investigation and are still trying to establish the full circumstances.

“Therefore, I am appealing to anybody who was driving in the area at the time of the collision and has any information that can assist this investigation to please get in touch with us.

“If you have dash-cam in your vehicles, I would ask you to please check this and contact us to provide this to us. You can upload any footage to the dedicated portal for this investigation.

“Anyone with information about this incident can make a report online or call 101, quoting reference number 43240476618."