14/08/2024
This month is National Road Victim month in the UK. This annual awareness event was launched in 1998 by national charity RoadPeace to remember people that have been killed or injured on our roads.
August was chosen for the annual campaign in memory of Bridget Driscoll, the first ever UK road crash victim, who was killed by a car in London on 17 August 1896.
It is reported that the coroner at Bridget’s inquest said that he “hoped such a thing would never happen again”. However, latest government figures show that in 2022 there were 1,695 fatalities on Britain’s roads, and 29,795 people were killed or seriously injured.
RoadPeace says that more than 500,000 people have been killed on the roads in Britain since records began in 1926.
Vehicle General Safety Regulation Campaign
In July 2024, more than 50 organisations and individuals from across the road safety community and wider transport industry wrote a letter to new Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh MP, urging her and the new government to prioritise vehicle safety.
Central to this are calls for England and Wales to adopt the latest vehicle general safety regulation updates to the existing GB Type Approval Scheme to bring Britain in line with the European Union (EU).
Various vehicle safety features became mandatory in July 2022 for all new vehicles in the EU which can play a significant role in improving road safety. Campaigners hope the government will roll out similar requirements in Britain.
These include:
- Advanced emergency braking (AEB). This is a system that will automatically brake in an emergency, such as if a pedestrian steps out in front of the car or a vehicle in front stops suddenly.
- Intelligent speed assistance. This technology ‘reads’ road signs and alerts a driver if they are exceeding the speed limit and/or reduces vehicle speed if necessary.
- Attention warning in case of driver drowsiness. This monitors the steering wheel, head and eye movements for signs of drowsiness or distraction.
It has been estimated that adopting the proposed updates to the GB Type Approval Scheme could prevent more than 1,700 deaths and 15,000 serious injuries over the next 16 years, saving up to £7bn in health costs if the full package of measures were to be fully implemented.
The regulations are already being rolled out in Northern Ireland.
Road Traffic Accident Prevention
Although there have been significant improvements in road safety in Britain, unfortunately, road traffic accidents are still a frequent occurrence.
There are certain steps all road users can take to help prevent accidents on our roads. These include:
- Staying alert. Mobile phones, being stressed or tired, alcohol, loud music and the actions of other people can all prove considerable distractions for drivers, pedestrians and other road users. Being aware of your surroundings and concentrating ensures you stay focused on the task at hand.
- Being safe. Obey speed limits, follow road signs and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Reduced visibility makes driving more hazardous and increases the possibility of accidents.
- Anticipating events. Observing other road users can help you plan ahead and take any necessary action that may be required.
- Being adaptable. Recognise any extra challenges or dangers presented by driving conditions or your surroundings and adapt your behaviour accordingly.
- Being considerate. Be aware of other road users. Being considerate to their needs by, for example being patient and not becoming agitated if someone makes a poor manoeuvre, will work in everyone’s favour.
Road Traffic Accident Claims
Being involved in a road traffic accident (RTA) can be traumatic, even if no one is seriously hurt. It can be difficult to stay calm and many people don’t think clearly.
However, if you are involved in a collision on the roads, there are certain steps you must take, no matter who was at fault.
- Stop safely. Motorists, cyclists, e-scooter users and other road users should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Any pedestrians involved should remain at the scene.
- Stay calm. It is important to not panic or lose your temper.
- Check for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 999. Make a note of any minor injuries.
- Exchange details. Swap names, addresses, contact information and vehicle registration numbers with the other parties involved.
- Record information. Write down details about the circumstances and take photos of the scene.
- Report the accident. Call the police and notify your insurers. Failure to report an RTA can result in a fine, penalty points or even imprisonment.
- Seek legal advice. If you’ve been involved in an RTA and are considering making a personal injury claim, you should seek legal advice. There are often strict time limits for making a claim so speaking to a specialist solicitor experienced in RTAs early on can help your claim succeed.
RTA Solicitors Greater Manchester
Being involved in a road traffic accident can have a devastating effect on your life, which is why we’ll deal with your case with the professionalism, care and sensitivity you deserve.
If you were the driver or passenger in an RTA or a cyclist or pedestrian that has been hit by a motorist, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation to any injury you may have suffered or damages to your property.
We offer a free no-obligation assessment of your case where we will advise you of your chances of success, even if you were hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit and run accident.
Call us today on 0800 731 7555 or click here to make an online enquiry.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.