National Road Victim Month 2020 Kicks Off
National Road Victim Month 2020 has begun. Running for the full month of August, the aim of the campaign is to remember victims of road traffic accidents and those who have been injured or killed on our roads.
The awareness campaign is run by RoadPeace, a national charity focusing on supporting people who have lost loved ones or been seriously injured through road accidents, as well as campaigning for justice for road accident victims and reducing the danger on our roads.
Why is August National Road Victim Month?
The first road death in Britain happened when Bridget Driscoll was hit by a car in Crystal Palace, London, on 17th August 1896. Almost 125 years later, over 500,000 people have been killed on our roads since, with England accounting for over four fifths of road deaths in the UK in 2018, according to road safety charity Brake.
August was also chosen as National Road Victim Month in remembrance of HRH Princess Diana of Wales, after she was killed in a road crash in August 1997.
What makes August dangerous?
August is considered one of the most dangerous months on the roads in Great Britain. According to the Department for Transport (DfT), in the year ending June 2019, there were 1,870 reported road fatalities. This was a 4% increase from the previous year.
There are many reasons why August may see an increase in the number of road accidents. The sheer volume of traffic in August rises for most modes of transport, including motor vehicles and bicycles. More motorcyclists might also decide to take their bikes out when the weather is warmer – and they are unfortunately some of the most vulnerable road users in the country.
Hot temperatures can also affect vehicle performance, increasing the risk of crashes caused by vehicle failures such as overheating, tyre punctures and fuel efficiency. Research by the RAC also suggests that more children are likely to be killed in road traffic accidents due to the greater risks associated with playing outside.
Can road crashes be prevented?
In a lot of cases, road accidents are preventable. The RAC Foundation found that 40% of all reported accidents and 26% of all fatal accidents in 2018 were caused by a failure to look properly.
Another major cause of accidents according to the DfT is driver behaviour – such as aggressive driving – or because of inexperience, with 18,892 accidents caused as a result in 2018.
What should I do if I am injured in a road accident?
First of all, you should make sure that no one else has been injured. If you or someone else require urgent medical care, call 999 as soon as possible. If your accident wasn’t severe enough to require immediate medical care, you should first tell the relevant authority what has happened. In the case of car accidents for example, the police need to be informed.
You will then need to arrange medical treatment, either through visiting A&E or making an appointment to see your GP. It’s important not to leave it too long as some injuries which may not be noticeable to begin with could lead to complications.
You should also gather photographic evidence of the accident, the environment and your injuries in case you need to refer to these at a later date.
How can First4Lawyers help?
If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, First4Lawyers could help you get the justice you deserve. We can help you make a claim for compensation, which you’re entitled to after being injured in a road accident. This can help you get back on your feet.
To find out more about how we can help, just give us a call, request a call back at the top of your screen or start your claim here.
