Accidents in the Countryside: Everything you should know! The British countryside can pose additional risks for both people walking in the countryside and also car drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists. It is commonly known that the hazards of rural roads add further risk of serious injury or death to those using them. Reasons why people may lose control whilst driving on rural/ countryside roads: Speed National speed limits tend to apply to most rural areas and therefore accidents are more likely to occur. There are also far more hazards on a rural road than on urban roads due to their nature, including blind bends, dips and potholes and other distractions such as farm animals which can lead to loss of control. Weather Due to the nature of rural roads, the weather can have a bigger impact on fatalities. Bad weather tends to reduce the number of casualties as people notice that the roads are more slippery and their visibility is affected, so they tend to slow down and take more care. When the weather is good, the effect tends to be an increase in casualties as there are more people on the road taking trips out and people feel more confident in their driving. Environmental issues As already mentioned, rural roads tend to have more twists and turns on a national speed limit road. It is also common for farm and wild animals such as deers to dash into oncoming traffic and cause drivers to swerve out of the way. Other factors include lack of lighting, loose debris and obstructions to visibility caused by overgrowing trees and crops. Slip and trip claims in the countryside People must be careful whilst enjoying the countryside on foot, especially as these claims are difficult to succeed. One of the key elements to succeeding in a claim for a slip or trip on a rural track is whether or not the track or road is a highway that is maintainable at public expense. Under the Highway Act 1980 most footpaths are deemed to be public roads maintainable at public expense. Section 41 of the Act states that highways authority must maintain and repair the highway. However, it is difficult considering most country side lanes, tracks and roads are nothing more than mud, stone and grass. The general rule seems to be if the road is considered to be generally safe for ordinary traffic, the road will be considered safe on a whole even if the verges are not safe for bicycles or pedestrians. Speak to our Personal Injury Solicitors At Browell Smith & Co Solicitors, our legal experts have a wealth of experience in handling personal injury cases and are always happy to discuss matters with you. Contact our expert team today to arrange a free initial telephone consultation or alternatively use our Call Back Request or Live Chat function on our website.
Being Aware of Vulnerable Road Users Road users on two wheels and pedestrians are more likely to be killed or seriously injured than car drivers. In recent news, police officers from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit took part in an operation called Close Pass which focuses on the dangers faced by cyclists as a result of motorists who drive too close to them. This was to raise awareness to highlight the dangers that vulnerable road users on two wheels face. Police officers have been speaking with drivers, providing information and educating drivers when they overtook a cyclist too closely. The road safety advice included looking out for other road users, and particularly vulnerable road users. Road safety of those on two wheels To improve the safety of those on two wheels, it is suggested that drivers: Slow down to give more time to spot danger and react Look properly for bikes before pulling out at junctions Leave at least a 150cm gap when overtaking a bike Do the ‘Dutch reach’, using the opposite hand to open a car door to help avoid ‘car dooring’ incidents There is also now an increase in new modes of transport which are more likely to be vulnerable including e-bikes and e-scooters. Electric bicycles are bicycles with an electric motor that assists the user’s pedal power. E-bikes accelerate much faster than traditional bikes which may mean resulting accidents and injuries are more severe for the user but also pedestrians. Pedestrians are also one of the vulnerable user groups. Road safety of those on foot To improve the safety of those on foot, it is suggested that drivers: Slow down when there are lots of stationary vehicles and obstructions Take additional care at crossings and junctions Watch out for pedestrianised areas Take additional care where children may suddenly appear Watch out for people in dark clothing at night time Check all blind spots before reversing Eliminate all distractions whilst driving Be careful when entering/exiting driveways Speak to our Personal Injury Solicitors At Browell Smith & Co Solicitors, our legal experts have a wealth of experience in handling personal injury cases and are always happy to discuss matters with you. Contact our expert team today to arrange a free initial telephone consultation or alternatively use our Call Back Request or Live Chat function on our website.
Do you know your rights as a pillion passenger? As a pillion passenger, you have no control over a motorbike and so you will almost certainly be able to bring a claim that has sufficient prospects of success. Most pillion passenger claims occur due to the inadequacy of the motorcyclist. Motorcyclist Accident Claims If you have sustained injuries as a pillion passenger you may be entitled to make a motorcyclist accident claim. The following points below must be implemented, failure to adhere could warrant a successful claim. As a pillion passenger, you should have been given an appropriate helmet to wear, one that is approved by the British Standards Authority. The driver should ensure your feet can touch the footrests. The pillion seat must be secured and fit for purpose. A method of communication whilst in transport should be agreed between both you and the driver, this may even be a hand signal. If you were a first-time pillion passenger the motorcyclist should ensure that you have been explained the potential dangers that may occur when riding as a pillion passenger. The law regarding pillion passengers also states that learner drivers must not carry pillion passengers, however, this is often not taken into account with many accidents occurring as a result of learner drivers having first-time pillion passengers on inadequate seats. Pillion Passenger Accident Claims Not all pillion accidents are caused by the driver of the motorcycle, some may be caused by other road users or pedestrians, and some may even be caused due to the road being in bad repair. Should any of these situations apply to you, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries as well as any financial losses. Financial losses can include, damaged clothing and personal effects such as mobile phones, your helmet and other equipment. Loss of income as result for having time off work, costs of medication or treatment that you may require, care received from friends and family, even if you did not pay for it (gratuitous care), travel costs to medical examinations and many other heads of losses. Start your Personal Injury Claim today! If you feel you have sustained injuries as a result of riding as a pillion passenger through no fault of your own, then please contact an experienced member from our personal injury team today on 0191 2503200. Should we be able to take your case on you would be pleased to know that this would be on a No Win, No Fee basis. We are happy to take your enquiry today and review the matter to see whether we believe you have sufficient merits to pursue a claim.