Be Careful Out There – Dark Evenings and Cyclists are a Lawsuit Waiting to Happen
This entry was posted in Road Traffic Law and tagged accident, compensation, cyclist, joggers, personal injury, road safe, road traffic on .
In the UK, Autumn 2018 saw a 15% increase in road traffic accidents compared to spring and summer, according to a report by a group of well-known accident claim solicitors. How did they know this? Well, we’d say that’s because more road users than ever before are taking to litigation and accident claims to resolve their issues, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
It can be dangerous out there for road users when the nights are longer and the conditions are more treacherous. Dark evenings mean it’s easier for dog walkers and joggers to be caught out without reflective gear on, and cyclists can be easily missed if their lights are dim or a driver is being blinded by an oncoming car’s full beam headlights.
There are ways to prevent accidents though. Read on to find out more.
Tips to stay road-safe this winter
For drivers
As a driver, you’ll know that checking your mirrors and being aware of cyclists and other road users is vital, but in the darker mornings and evenings it’s even more important. Make sure your own lights are all fully functional including your fog lights, and that you’re giving plenty of room to other road users. Carry sunglasses in your car too – accidents often happen when the sun is shining over the road making it hard to see other road users.
For cyclists
As a cyclist, make sure that your lights are fully charged or the batteries aren’t running low so that they remain bright and visible. Wear bright, reflective clothing and remember to take the correct position in the road when turning or using a roundabout so that cars, vans and other road users can make room for you.
For walkers and joggers
If you’re walking or jogging and using the roads during the darker hours of the morning and evening, be aware that your visibility is extremely reduced to drivers. Their cars may have steamed-up windows, they may have headlights reflecting on their windscreen and they might even just miss you.
Make yourself more visible with bright clothing and reflective strips on your arms, ankles and shoes. If you’re walking your dog, consider a light-up or glow in the dark collar to keep them safe and visible too. Also remember that in frosty and icy conditions, vehicles need more time to slow down and stop, so bear this in mind when crossing roads in cold weather.
What to do if you’re in an accident
If you’re in a road traffic accident as a driver or other road user, you may be eligible for compensation. If you have been injured and someone else is to blame, at DRN we have a team of expert personal injury lawyers who can advise you as to whether you have a claim. We will work closely with you to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
This service is absolutely no win, no fee, so that you have complete peace of mind.
If you’d like to talk to our expert team about our accident and personal injury claim services, call our Burnley office today on 01282 433241 or our Colne office directly on 01282 864500.
