POLICE have issued safety advice after a woman suffered face and chest injuries in a car crash because she was not wearing a seatbelt.

There was a five-car smash on the A12 last Monday between the junctions of Spring Lane and the Jobserve Community Stadium

The crash caused major damage to a grey Ford Focus in front and damage to three other vehicles.

A 16-year-old girl in one vehicle suffered a fractured arm and her mother, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered face and chest injuries and was taken to hospital.

PC Andrew Sumner, of Stanway Roads Policing Unit, said it is unlikely the woman would have needed hospital treatment if she had been wearing the vital safety aid.

He: “Seatbelts help save lives and I believe the woman involved in this incident could have avoided hospital treatment if she had worn one.

"Driving without wearing one presents a significant risk to drivers, passengers and other road users during a collision.

“While I wish her a speedy recovery, we must re-enforce this message. It’s a legal requirement to wear one and can help save you and other loved ones in your car."