Seven cars were involved in two smashes which happened within minutes of each other on the A12 near Colchester yesterday.
Police said there was a three-car "shunt" on the Colchester-bound carriageway near Langham just after 2pm.
Just minutes later four more vehicles were involved in a similar accident on the same stretch of road.
Police last night described the incidents as "minor".
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here