The extent of carnage on Sussex roads was revealed today.

New figures released to The Argus by firefighters show that in just two of Sussex's 13 districts, there have been 35 deaths and 211 serious injuries in the last 18 months.

Gary Towson, of West Sussex Fire and Rescue, said: "Mid Sussex and the Chichester area have some of the worst road traffic statistics in West Sussex.

"In the past 18 months alone, 21 people have died and 130 were seriously injured in the Chichester district.

"In the Mid Sussex area, there were 14 fatalities and 81 seriously injured."

Yesterday The Argus reported that residents living near the A27 between Durrington and Castle Goring were fighting for a 40mph limit following a series of smashes near the Coach and Horses pub.

In the last five weeks alone, there have been three crashes near the pub.

The fire service has launched a road safety campaign to tour towns across Sussex.

Firefighters, usually among the first at the scene of a crash, are talking to pupils about the horror they face when arriving at a fatal accident.

Pupils will hear from a parent who lost two sons on the road and watch an interview with the survivor of a pile-up.

The service wants to show youngsters they risk their lives driving while distracted by loud music or mobile phones and that driving too fast or when drunk or on drugs can be fatal.

Georgina Dey, 61, of Selsey, lost her two sons in separate crashes on the A24 between Worthing and Ashington.

She said: "It's been devastating. Tim and Barry were fantastic lads. Both were carpenters, both had their own businesses. They were family men and they were the life and soul of the family. I just go from day to day. My husband couldn't take part in this but I find I have to."

Gloria Marshall, 51, lost two of her children, Aaron Sharpe, 20, and daughter Katherine, 18.

They were among eight people who died in a pile-up on the A23 at Pyecombe, near Henfield, in May 2004.

She said: "I hope this gets the message across, even if only one young person changes their driving habits.

"Most people believe an accident won't happen to them but these numbers should make the danger seem real to them."