How to Drive Safely on Rural Roads

How to Drive Safely on Rural Roads

April 28, 2022/in /by

Whether you live in the country or want to experience the beautiful countryside, driving in rural areas can be dangerous if you are not careful, especially if you’re used to driving in more metropolitan areas. Scotland has some of the most beautiful scenic routes in the UK, and with the boom of ‘staycations’ more and more tourists are flocking to drive the famous North Coast 500. The UK’s National Statistics reported that although in 2020 a majority of causalities occurred on built-up urban roads, the majority of fatalities occurred on rural roads. However, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure you are safe on the road.

1- Be Aware of the Speed Limit

The first thing that is often forgotten when driving out the country is the speed limit. There’s usually little to no sporadic traffic which can often lull drivers into a false sense of security. Rural roads often have higher average speed limits (compared to urban roads) that are sparsely posted so it’s important to make sure you drive below the speed limit. This is because there are often agricultural vehicles, as well as winding roads to be aware of.

 

2- Road Quality

Roads in the country are often old and somewhat neglected compared to those in the city or suburban areas. It’s important that you drive carefully as these roads can be unpaved, have potholes, and no road markings. Rural roads are also often more sinuous and narrower in nature with blind bends, dips, and other distractions.

3- Use Passing Places


Always make sure you are using caution when passing vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders etc. on the road. Rural areas often have long stretches of one-track road that have small laybys for slower vehicles to use, so faster ones can pass safely.

4- Watch for Hidden Driveways

Rural areas often have scattered residences, farms, and villages. When driving on countryside roads, watch for hidden driveways that could contain hidden vehicles waiting to come out onto the road. These driveways are often hidden by hedges, fencing, or even curving roads or hills.

5- Be Aware of Agricultural Vehicles

Tractors, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), residential cars are often found on rural roads. Remember that often these vehicles, like tractors, often travel well below the speed limit as they may have limited visibility. Always make sure that you keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, especially if you are wanting to make a manoeuvre like overtaking safely.

6- Look Out for Livestock

In the countryside, it won’t look out of place to see livestock being moved across rural roads from one field to another. There should be road signs marking these areas and warning drivers to slow down and use caution. Make sure you take corners slowly, and if you do happen to come across livestock being moved from one side of the road to another, make sure you stop leaving plenty of room between you and the animals. It’s important you wait patiently and avoid revving your engine or honking your horn to not spook the animals. You should also remain in your vehicle until it is safe to continue driving.

7- Visibility

Country roads often have fewer streetlights than cities or suburban areas. Expect darker conditions when driving at night. As well remembering to put your lights on, consider putting them on high beam to increase your visibility. You should also be cautious of residents out for walks or a run that may not be wearing hi-vis clothing, and even animals that may be on the road.

Taking a drive in the country can be a wonderful experience as you enjoy the vistas, fields, and country houses. It’s important to remember that rural roads are not used to get places faster, they are often used as scenic routes, so make sure you pay attention to your surroundings are respect the people and animals that inhabit the area.

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitor and Injury Lawyers Scotland today.

How to Get Your Bike Ready for Spring

How to Get Your Bike Ready for Spring

April 12, 2022/in , /by

Most bike users have had their bikes locked away in the shed or the garage over these cold winter months. Now that the first signs of spring are showing and the blue skies are starting to peak out, you may feel like it’s a good time to finally fish it out. However, when bikes are out of use for a while, certain parts can become loose or worn out, and this can cause discomfort to you as a rider and in the worst-case scenario, can result in an accident. Read our new blog on how to get your bike ready for spring to make sure your bike is in perfect shape before you begin your new season riding.

Check Your Tyre Pressure

One of the most important things to check this spring is your tyre pressure. Tyres loose air pressure over time so naturally will have with time in storage. Your bike’s manufacture guide should recommend what the correct tyre pressure is for your bike, and Cycle Guard recommend that you use either a floor pump or an electric bike pump to get it back to the right level.

Adjust the Derailleurs and Shifters

Your derailleurs are in charge of ensuring that your gears shift smoothly. If it has been a long time since you last rode your bike, your derailleur may need adjusting. This is pretty easy to check, simply hang your bike upside down using a bike stand and spin the bike pedals to run through the gears to check that they shift right. Any potential adjustments can be made using a Philips-head screwdriver.

Check Your Brake Levers

Your bike’s breaks not working properly is probably one of the quickest ways to get into an accident, so it is important that your breaks are working properly. Check your brake levers to see if they engage with the brake pads correctly, your brakes shouldn’t get stuck and should bring the wheel to a full stop when riding. Any adjustments that need to be made can be done so by unscrewing the barrel adjuster slightly.

Check Your Brake Pads

It is just as important to check your brake pads as it is to check your brake levers, they should not look worn or be loose at all. Replace your brake pads if they are worn before starting your spring ventures and similarly, you can adjust the brake cables with a screwdriver if the brake pads are not close enough to the rim.

Check the Spokes

Your spokes are supposed to ensure that your wheel stay straight. If your wheels don’t appear straight you need to tighten your spokes using a spoke wrench, but make sure that you do not overtighten as this can create too much tension resulting in cracks or deformities in the rim.

Check Your Bike Chain

Over time a bike chain can become loose and there is a risk that it could fall off your bike whilst you are riding, potentially causing serious injury. To check if your bike chain has become loose over time, check the chain tension by pressing your fingers against the top of the chain, it should not be more than a couple of centimetres. If it is, then you should get your bike chain replaced.

Check Safety Gear

Your safety gear includes your bikes light and reflectors, it is extremely important to check that these still work as they can reduce the chances of you being involved in an accident whilst riding. Additionally, in the UK, after sunset it is illegal to ride your bike on a public road without bike lights.

Apply Dry Lubricant

If your bike has been in storage for a while, the moving parts of your crankset may not be working in the right way. These parts include your bike’s chainring, chain and cog. Popular Mechanics advise that this can easily be fixed by applying some dry lubricant if they do not move properly

Adjust the Bike Seat

If your bike hasn’t been in use for a long period of time, your bike seat may become loose this will likely cause you great discomfort. Be sure to tighten your seat before you set off riding again. Similarly, if your bike seat has become worn it is a good idea to replace it to avoid the same issues.

Secure the Child Seat

This does not apply to all bike riders but if you have a child seat attached to your bike it is just as important to check it as it is to check your bike seat before you set off this spring. Similarly, if the seat seems damaged or worn it would be a good idea to get it replaced before riding.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a bike accident, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

The Impact of Daylight Saving on Road Accidents

The Impact of Daylight Saving on Road Accidents

March 2, 2022/in , /by

Introduced during the first world war to increase productivity, daylight saving time also known as DST has continued to be used today. However, there has been debates on how useful it really is and the concerns for the hazards it facilitates for road users has only risen. In theory, losing one hour sleep may not seem significant, however in actuality the change it causes in our routine has been proven to cause mood disorders, effect mental acuity and can have negative effects on our health which can all lead to motor vehicle collisions. An individual who is suffering with exhaustion on the road is a danger, however when an entire population is affected the risks of road accidents only increases when the clocks go forward from standard time.

 

What are the Dangers of Daylight Saving Time?

Studies have shown that there is a 6.3% increase in fatal crashes in the six days following the daylight-saving time (DST) change. The stress that our bodies go under during time changes not only leads to road accidents due to exhaustion but can lead to serious health issues and even heart attacks.

 

Daylight saving time can cause jetlag-like symptoms which only increase with sleep deprivation and can result in drowsy driving which is just as dangerous as drunk driving. When fatigue from time changes occurs, drivers are more at risk of being involved in a serious road collision as they are not able to respond fast enough to pedestrian crossings or road hazards and drivers are even susceptible to falling asleep at the wheel. Studies by ROSPA have found that driver fatigue causes 20% of road accidents and over a quarter of fatal and serious accidents.

 

Daylight Saving and Drowsy Driving

The number of fatal accidents caused by daylight saving time are rising yearly caused by the effects of drowsy driving. Like drunk driving, drowsy driving can negatively impact how well you can make fast decisions, lead to delayed reaction times, and make it difficult to react and pay attention to road hazards which can have fatal consequences. The sudden change in time can disrupt sleep patterns which leads to a reduction in total sleep time and the overall quality of sleep. Studies by Sleepcycle how to reduce the effect that DST has on sleep and our bodies is to begin adjusting to daylight saving time a few days before it takes effect to maintain a regular sleep pattern for as long as possible.

How to Stay Safe on the Roads During Daylight Saving Time

The safest advice is to avoid driving when you are sleep deprived and take a different form of transport, however this is not always possible.

 

Some ways to prepare yourselves for daylight saving times and staying safe include:

  • Allowing yourself to ease into earlier bedtimes and earlier waking times, as good sleeping habits are the most important part of a safety plan.

 

  • Expose yourself to daylight as soon as possible.

 

  • Avoid using screens which emit blue light before bed as this can affect your natural sleep-and-wake cycle.

 

  • Refrain from consuming caffeine before bed.

 

  • Know the warning signs- yawning, excessive blinking, drifting into another lane, and missing an exit are all indicators that fatigue is affecting your ability to drive.

 

  • If you experience any warning signs of fatigue, then pull over where it is safe and take a short nap or a brisk walk which has been proven to help wake you up.

By thinking and planning for daylight saving time you can avoid the possibility of being involved in an accident at work or on the road.

 

What do I do if I am Involved in a Road Traffic Accident?

We completely understand how distressing it is to be involved in a road traffic accident. Just try your best to stay calm and remember as many details as you can, as these can help to support your claim if you weren’t at fault. Try to record the following:

  • Names, addresses and contact details of all drivers involved
  • Vehicle registration details for all vehicles involved
  • Accident date and time
  • Accident location
  • Full contact details of any witnesses

Most importantly of course, if necessary, seek medical attention as soon as possible and report to your GP following any hospital admissions. And remember to always report the accident to the police.

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

 

Police Scotland's Festive Crackdown on Driving under the Influence: All You Need to Know

Police Scotland’s Festive Crackdown on Driving under the Influence: All You Need to Know

December 14, 2021/in , /by

The Minister for Transport and Police Scotland have launched this year’s festive enforcement campaign to tackle drink and drug-driving across Scotland, highlighting the personal and criminal consequences of being found guilty of driving under the influence.

More than 20,000 drivers are stopped by the police in Scotland every month and Police Scotland’s enforcement campaign will see an even stronger focus on drink driving on Scotland’s roads, so the chances of being caught are higher than ever.

The consequences of drink and drug-driving can be devastating and put not only the driver but any other passengers, and road users at risk of serious injury or worse. With more people out and about and enjoying Christmas parties this year, in comparison to the Covid-19 restrictions that consumed the festive season in 2020, Police Scotland’s message is clear: if you’re planning to have a drink, even just the one, leave the car at home.

Police Scotland confirmed that 395 motorists having tested positive for drug-driving, and 600 arrested for drink-driving and related offences throughout Scotland in the last two months alone. Unfortunately, it is the reality that some people do still take the risk.

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we understand that behind each statistic, there is potentially a family dealing with a devastating aftermath. We have significant experience handling road traffic accidents, and we are here to help every step of the way. If you’d like more information get in touch today, or keep reading to find out all you need to know on drink and drug-driving.

What are the current drink and drug-driving limits in Scotland?

The current drink drive limit is:

  • 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath
  • 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood
  • 67 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine

The drink and drug-drive limit in Scotland is stricter than in England, so just one small drink could put you over. The reason it’s measured as a percentage of alcohol in your breath, blood or urine rather than per units of alcohol, is because everybody processes alcohol in different ways, and the same drink can create different levels of alcohol for different people. This can be influenced by factors such as your weight, age, metabolism, medication or your stress levels.

Although it’s clear that you cannot safely drink any alcohol when driving, the reason the limit isn’t zero is because there’s more than one reason why drivers could have alcohol in their body other than from drinking. For example, certain foods, mouthwash and medications can contain alcohol.

Regarding the drug-driving limit, Scotland has a zero-tolerance approach to tackling illegal drugs and driving. No matter what kind of drugs someone may have taken, or how much, it is a crime to take illegal drugs and drive.

The police can stop you if they suspect you of drink or drug-driving, and if you are found to be over the drink drive limit or to have used illegal drugs, this is treated very seriously. The consequences are severe, ranging from receiving a criminal record, a minimum 12 month driving ban, the possibility of losing your job and receiving a substantial fine. Repeat offenders, or those that cause death due to careless driving, may even face the prospect of a prison sentence and a much longer driving ban.

Can an injured passenger claim against a drunk driver?

As always, the most important element of any claim for compensation is proving that someone else’s negligence caused you to be injured, through no fault of your own. In terms of typical passenger compensation claims, if you can prove that the driver caused the accident, the grounds for your claim would rest on the fact that you were owed a duty of care that you did not receive.

If a driver fails to show due care for their passengers’ safety, and their reckless or negligent driving results in serious injury, the passenger then has the right to claim for any damages which were a direct result of their injuries or loss.

For drink and drug-driving cases, this can be a little more complicated. You could still claim against a drunk driver if you were injured as a passenger in their vehicle that was involved in a car accident. Even if you yourself were drunk. Regardless of whether a passenger is drunk or not, a driver who causes an accident will invariably carry the lion’s share of responsibility for the accident.

However, when a passenger decides to be driven by a driver they knew, or ought to have known was drunk, that passenger may be liable for contributory negligence. Contributory negligence means that any compensation you are awarded would be reduced, owing to the fact that your choice to enter a vehicle with a drunk driver contributed to the injuries you sustained.

What do I do if I’m involved in a road traffic accident caused by drink or drug-driving?

We completely understand how distressing it is to be involved in a road traffic accident, especially if you are injured by someone drink or drug-driving. Just try your best to stay calm and remember as many details as you can, as these can help to support your claim if you weren’t at fault. Try to record the following:

  • Names, addresses and contact details of all drivers involved
  • Vehicle registration details for all vehicles involved
  • Accident date and time
  • Accident location
  • Full contact details of any witnesses

Most importantly of course, if necessary, seek medical attention as soon as possible and report to your GP following any hospital admissions. And remember to always report the accident to the police.

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

A Cyclist’s Guide to Staying Safe During the Winter Months

A Cyclist’s Guide to Staying Safe During the Winter Months

December 2, 2021/in /by

In recent years, the number of people choosing to cycle, whether it be for health benefits or as a way to get to work, has significantly increased throughout the UK. The popularity of cycling surged even more in 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, as more people than ever before were taking to their bikes as a safe, economical and environmentally friendly way to get around.

Research from Cycling Scotland has found that between 2020 and 2021, there has been a 47% rise in people regularly cycling. This is hugely welcome news to many of the key cycling organisations in both the UK and Scotland, as the more people cycling, the greater the effect on public health, wellbeing and climate change.

However, as one of the most vulnerable road users, this unfortunately increases the risk to cyclists from not only poor road conditions, faulty equipment or inattentive drivers, but also from the winter weather.

As the clocks go back, the nights get darker and winter creeps in, the risk of cyclists being involved in a road traffic accident increases by 19%. Further to this, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) the most dangerous time of day for cyclists is between 3pm and 6pm, as this is when the light is fading and there is an increased number of vehicles on the road alongside cyclists, as people head home from work.

If you are injured in a cycling accident this winter that isn’t your fault, get in touch with the team here at Bonnar Accident Law. We have significant experience handling these types of claims and will work tirelessly to win the maximum financial settlement possible. If you’d like more information get in touch today, or keep reading to find out our top tips for cycle safety this winter.

 

Cycling and the law

 

If you’re planning to cycle during the winter months, it’s important that you know the law. That is, that it’s illegal to cycle on a public road after dark without lights and reflectors to ensure you can be seen by other vehicles and pedestrians.

 

There is however, a little more to it than that. Exactly which lights and reflectors you should use, where to fit them and when to light up, is defined by the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (RVLR). Cycling UK has an abundance of information on what’s legal and what isn’t when cycling on public roads, particularly in the dark.

 

In summary, the main points of the RVLR are that lights and reflectors are required on a pedal cycle only between sunset and sunrise, lights and reflectors are not required when the cycle is stationary or being pushed along the roadside and when they are required, the lights and reflectors must be clean and working properly.

 

Our top safety tips for cyclists

  1. See and be seen

One of the most important safety tips, especially for cycling during the cold and dark winter months, is to make sure that you’re visible to other road users. You don’t have to adorn yourself head to toe in high-vis, but items such as reflective ankle straps that can be seen whilst pedalling or high-vis gloves to increase the visibility of your hand signals, are worth the investment. When it comes to cycling in the dark or in rainy and foggy weather, your clothing can never be too bright.

 

  1. Check your lights

As we explained above, there is a legal minimum requirement when it comes to your lights and reflectors for cycling in the dark. Before you head off make sure your lights are in working order, and it can’t hurt to have a spare set or a charger, if required, with you. For particularly bad weather, flashing taillights as opposed to static taillights are also recommended, for riders to be more visible on the roads.

 

  1. Keep your bike in tip-top condition

Regular maintenance checks and cleaning greatly reduces your chance of running into problems on the road. If you’re planning to use your bike regularly over the winter period, it could be worth investing in some winter tyres. At the least, you should be checking your tyres are clean and fully pumped before heading out, to decrease the risk of puncture.

 

  1. Ride to the conditions

Ultimately, the weather plays a significant role in dictating how fast you can, and should, ride. Be prepared to take your time and take a spare set of clothes in case of any quick changes in the weather. If the weather turns really bad, be prepared to find another route or even consider an alternative mode of transport as cycling in severe frost or ice should only be undertaken with extreme caution, when there’s no other option.

 

  1. Be aware of road positioning

You may need to ride even further out from the kerb than usual to be extra-sure that drivers have seen you. Riding a little further out will also mean you are more likely to avoid drain covers and road markings, which will both be extra-slippery in the damp, and helps to avoid fallen leaves, road debris and the inevitable potholes winter brings.

 

  1. Be careful

It may seem obvious, but on top of all the typical hazards cyclists have to contend with, there’s far more hidden dangers on the roads during the dark winter months. Cycling at a slightly slower speed than you would usually, will help you with the unexpected. If the roads are icy or slippery, it’s even more important to reduce your speed and control your brakes, to allow for extra stopping time.

What to do if you are involved in a cycling accident

We completely understand how distressing it is to be involved in a cycling accident. Just try your best to stay calm and remember as many details as you can, as these can help to support your claim if you weren’t at fault. Try to record the following:

 

  • Names, addresses and contact details of all involved
  • Vehicle registration details for all vehicles involved
  • Accident date and time
  • Accident location
  • Full contact details of any witnesses

 

Most importantly of course, seek medical attention as soon as possible and report to your GP following any hospital admissions. Keep a record of any and all medication attention received. Lastly, remember to always report the accident to the police.

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.