A police force has slammed motorists and warned that they could face prosecution after road users slowed down to film a collision on the motorway.
Posting on social media, Lancashire Police shared a message regarding a collision on the M6 between Junction 32 (Brockholes) and Junction 33 (Lancaster South).
In total, nine people, including children, were injured, prompting an urgent response from Lancashire Police officers and other emergency services.
The southbound carriageway was closed for several hours after the accident, with emergency barriers needing to be repaired, prompting further tailbacks.
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|Lancashire Police slammed motorists who filmed the aftermath of an accident on the M6
A BMW 4 Series collided with a Honda CR-V, which led to both vehicles being sent into the central reservation before striking two other vehicles.
Lancashire Police reported that a six-year-old girl in the rear passenger seat of the BMW suffered serious injuries, while a one-year-old boy was injured, but not as badly.
The police force has now taken aim at passing drivers while emergency services continued to treat patients and investigations were underway.
They reported that "a number of drivers" on the northbound carriageway passed the scene and used their mobile phones to film as they were driving.
LANCASHIRE POLICE
|Serious Collision Investigation Unit Inspector Steve Scott said drivers would be dealt with if they broke the law
Serious Collision Investigation Unit Inspector Steve Scott said the force has seen footage on social media showing drivers filming the scene while driving a minibus full of children.
He continued saying: "We were able to record at least five others doing the same thing.
"This is incredibly dangerous and illegal. Those caught by our officers or by cameras doing this yesterday will be reported and dealt with appropriately."
He acknowledged that it can be frustrating for drivers to be held up on the motorway, especially during rush hour.
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Scott also understood why a large response from the emergency services can draw a lot of attention.
However, he clarified that this does not give drivers the excuse to act illegally, especially since the collision involved "real people", including injured children.
He said: "Whilst they were at their most vulnerable, some drivers selfishly chose to film for their own curiosity and entertainment.
"We want to take this time to remind you to drive with caution. If you think it is acceptable to drive in this manner, it is not."
Slowing down to view the aftermath of a collision or using their phone at the wheel constitutes driving without due care and attention, which can heighten danger on the roads.
The Inspector warned that doing this can cause further accidents, and could divert the attention of emergency services while they are trying to tend to victims of the collision.
Using a mobile phone is one of the "Fatal Five" issues when driving, alongside travelling without a seatbelt, speeding, driving under the influence of drink or drugs and careless driving.
Research has shown that people committing one or more of the Fatal Five are more likely to be involved in a collision that leads to serious injuries or deaths.