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Road Safety Week Highlights the Vulnerability of Cyclists
21 November 2018
To mark Road Safety Week, Brake has released findings highlighting the vulnerability of cyclists on the UK roads. A cyclist or motorcyclist is killed or seriously injured every hour on British roads, leading to devastating consequences for the person involved and their families.
Cyclists 63 times more likely to be killed on UK roads
The findings uncover that cyclists and motorcyclists are 63 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than car drivers. TRUE Solicitors are all too aware of the risks and dangers posed to cyclists as they travel on the roads each and every day. Our data has shown that two thirds of cycle accidents happen at road junctions and that 26% of collisions are caused due to a vehicle pulling out from the left, either from the side of the road or at a roundabout. We also found that 1 in 25 cycle accidents are caused due to a car door being opening into the path of passing cyclists, with 38% suffering broken bones.
90% of cyclists involved in accidents suffer multiple injuries
Cyclists involved in impacts with vehicles most commonly suffer from injuries to their arms and legs. Lower limb injuries are the most frequent at 65% with upper limb injures being reported in 55% of cycle accidents. Around 35% of cyclists suffer both arm and leg injuries, whilst 53% suffer from soft tissue injuries, with 90% suffering multiple injuries.
Collisions between cyclists and vehicles often result in 23% of cyclists suffering some type of head or facial injury. With 8% suffering what we would describe as a serious head injury, where the victim was knocked unconscious, suffered a concussion, sustained a skull fracture or brain damage.
Our data backs up Brake’s analysis of the vulnerability of cyclists on the UK roads. TRUE Solicitors fully supports Road Safety Week’s ‘Bike Smart’ campaign which urges people, especially drivers, to be more aware of the safety of cyclists and motorcyclists.
How to be bike smart:
There are many ways in which drivers can be more bike smart to decrease the chance of being involved in a collision with a cyclist, including:
- Giving cyclists more space. It is recommended to leave a 150cm gap when overtaking.
- Open car doors using the ‘Dutch Reach’ This involves the driver or passenger opening their door from the inside with the hand that’s furthest away from the door handle. Forcing them to turn their body and increases the ability to look out of the car, allowing them to spot passing cars and cyclists.
- Look out for cyclists when emerging from a junction.
- Pay particular attention to cyclists when doing any type of turning. Cyclists can often be hidden behind other cars or in your blind spot. Always use your mirrors before attempting a manoeuvre.
If you have been involved in a cycling road traffic accident contact TRUE today. Our dedicated, expert team have years of experience obtaining compensation for clients involved in cycling accidents. Our ‘No Win, No Fee’ service means there is no financial risk to you.
