Be Safe On The Roads

Posted on November 19, 2018

As temperatures are set to plummet this week there is no time like Road Safety Awareness Week to remind people to be safe out on the roads.

Road Safety Awareness Week coordinated by the Brake Charity this year focuses on the safety of those on two wheels and reminds everyone to be ‘Bike Smart’.

Whilst cycling is one of the healthiest, cheapest and most environmentally friendly forms of transport, with many benefits, more than 1/3 of people killed or injured on the UK roads travel by bike. Cyclists and motorcyclists are amongst the most vulnerable road users; bikers face many risks every time they get on their bikes. If you are involved in a crash as a result of another road users careless actions, injuries can be severe, catastrophic or even life-changing.

Riding a motorbike safely requires skill and judgement which requires riding within your limitations, braking in different gears, knowing your bike and how it reacts to acceleration and braking in different gears.

Lifesaver Checks

Lisa Anderson, Paralegal in our Personal Injury department, a former biker, reinforces the importance of a Lifesaver Check. She says, “It’s so important for cyclists and motorcyclists to carry out a Lifesaver Check into their blind spot before committing to a change in direction – whether it’s changing lanes, checking prior to making right or left turns or considering overtaking another vehicle – just so that they are fully aware of what’s happening behind them.”

Sadly accidents do happen but our team of Personal Injury solicitors are here to guide and support you.

Road Safety Tips

Drive within your limits
Ride safely within speed limits
Be aware of road surface conditions
Make sure your tyres are in good condition and set at the correct pressure
Read the road hazards on your journey

However, if you are involved in an accident it’s important that you work with experts who not only know the law, but know what makes cyclists/motorcyclists different to other road users.

These are the most common motorbike crashes that they’ve come across:-

Failure to negotiate left hand or right hand bend on a country ‘A’ road
Collision at junctions
Collision whilst overtaking
Loss of control

If you have suffered an injury because of a bike or motorbike accident that wasn’t your fault, we have experts that can work on your behalf to get the best results. Call 0161 785 3500 to speak to a solicitor.

Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

This blog was posted some time ago and its contents may now be out of date. For the latest legal position relating to these issues, get in touch with the author - or make an enquiry now.