Did you know that August is National Road Victim Month? Founded in 1997 following the tragic death of Princess Diana in a car crash, National Road Victim Month aims to raise awareness of those who have been injured or lost their lives in road accidents, and to promote road safety.
Every death and serious injury on our roads is a preventable tragedy and yet, unfortunately, according to the road safety charity Brake, 5 people are killed every day on Britain’s roads and many more are seriously injured.
The latest provisional figures released by the Department for Transport (DfT) show that the number of road accidents declined by 21% in 2021 compared to the 2017 to 2019 average. This included fatal accidents, which fell by 12%.
Despite these positive signs, the DfT has warned that in 2020 and 2021 the COVID-19 lockdowns and the increase in home working kept many drivers off the roads. With the end of restrictions, road casualties are predicted to rise again this year.
It is not just drivers who are at risk from serious road traffic accidents. Nearly 500 pedestrians are killed on UK roads every year, making up around a quarter of the UK’s road deaths every year.
Recent changes to the Highway Code recognise that pedestrians are vulnerable road users giving them priority over cars, vans and heavy goods vehicles.
At Novum Law, our specialist personal injury solicitors are committed to supporting those that have been tragically killed or seriously injured in road collisions. We know only too well the devastation that serious crashes cause and the impact on loved ones. We have the knowledge and experience to help road accident victims and bereaved families to secure compensation and support services.
Louise Gardner is a specialist personal injury solicitor based in our Swindon team. She says:
“During this year’s National Road Victim Month we want to highlight the difficulties pedestrians face.
“Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. They face dangers from vehicles in the road or mounting pavements. Accidents can be caused by negligent driving – speeding, ignoring traffic lights, not paying attention to road layouts including pedestrian crossings or driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
Over the years, we’ve helped many pedestrians who’ve been severely injured , including spinal injuries, catastrophic brain and head injuries, after family members have been tragically killed.
“Positive steps are being made towards better safeguarding for pedestrians, such as this year’s Highway Code updates and last year’s Government pledge to direct more money towards better walking and cycling infrastructure so vulnerable road users are more protected.
“At Novum Law we hope to see the current momentum around making roads safer before pedestrians kept up, so that future Road Victim Months can mark progress as well as commemorate those we’ve sadly lost.”
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a road accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be able to claim compensation. Novum Law’s team of expert personal injury solicitors may be able to help on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis so that you can access the support you need.
To find out more, call us via Freephone on 0800 884 0777, email info@novumlaw.com or complete our online enquiry form for a free, no obligation chat.
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