summer driving

Summer Driving: Common Risks and How to Avoid Them

June 15, 2025/in /by

Summer is a wonderful time for road trips, holidays, and outdoor adventures. However, it also brings unique challenges for drivers. The increased heat and traffic, combined with roadworks and holiday drivers, can make staying safe on the road more difficult. Recognising the potential risks and knowing how to handle them are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience during the warmer months.

Driving during summer requires more than just keeping your vehicle running smoothly. It means being more aware, more prepared, and more patient. Whether you’re heading to the coast with family or setting out for a solo road trip, keeping a few safety tips in mind can make your journey much more pleasant.

Increased Traffic and Congestion

Summer holidays mean more people are on the move. Roads fill with tourists, families going on holiday, and locals out enjoying events and festivals. This surge in travel causes congestion, especially near scenic spots, airports, and city centres.

Here are a few ways to stay safe in heavy traffic:

– Plan ahead: Check for road closures and traffic delays before setting off. A good route plan can help you avoid hold-ups.
– Be patient: Holiday traffic can bring delays. Leave earlier than usual and give yourself plenty of time. Avoid risky manoeuvres and aggressive behaviour.
– Use technology: Sat nav and traffic apps can show real-time updates, helping you take less congested routes.
– Stay focused: Keep your attention on the road. Unexpected braking or distracted drivers can appear suddenly.
– Keep your distance: Maintain a safe gap between your car and the one in front. It gives you more time to react if traffic slows.

With a calm mindset and a bit of planning, summer traffic doesn’t have to ruin the start of your holiday.

Dehydration and Fatigue

Spending time behind the wheel in hot weather can leave you dehydrated and tired, both of which impact your ability to drive safely. Long periods without rest or water can lead to slower reaction times and poor concentration.

Here’s how to keep your energy and focus up:

– Hydrate regularly: Always have water handy in the car. Drinking small amounts often is better than gulping down lots at once.
– Avoid excess caffeine: Tea and coffee can dehydrate you, especially when combined with heat.
– Take breaks: Stop at least every two hours. Stretch your legs, rest your eyes, and refresh your mind.
– Eat light: Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish. Stick to light snacks that give steady energy.
– Know the signs: If you’re yawning often, missing turns, or drifting in your lane, it’s time for a rest.

Strong concentration and alertness are key to handling the road, especially during long journeys in the heat.

Glare and Sun Exposure

The glare from the sun can be a big problem during summer. It can make it difficult to see the road clearly, especially during sunrise and sunset. Glare can hide pedestrians, vehicles, and crucial road signs.

Here are some ideas to reduce the impact of glare:

– Wear sunglasses: Use a pair with UV protection. Polarised lenses can help reduce the sharpness of incoming light.
– Adjust your visor: Move it to block the sun while still keeping a full view of the road.
– Clean your windscreen: Dirt and smudges can turn sunlight into a blinding blur. Clean both the inside and outside surfaces regularly.
– Travel during cooler hours: Morning and early evening tend to be easier on the eyes than the harsh midday sun.

Taking small steps to manage glare can greatly improve your visibility and safety.

Vehicle Overheating

Rising temperatures can put a serious strain on your vehicle. Engines run hotter in summer, which can lead to overheating if the system isn’t working well. A breakdown in the heat is uncomfortable and can be dangerous depending on your location.

To avoid overheating issues:

– Check your coolant: Make sure the coolant tank is full and that the fluid is clean. This helps regulate your engine temperature.
– Look at belts and hoses: Cracks, leaks, or signs of wear can lead to bigger problems. Have these checked before long drives.
– Watch the thermostat: If your dashboard shows higher-than-usual temperatures, don’t ignore it. It may indicate a faulty part or urgent issue.
– Keep the radiator clean: A clogged radiator won’t cool the engine efficiently. Make sure there’s no buildup inside.

Caring for your car goes a long way in keeping your trips smooth and safe.

Wildlife and Road Hazards

Warm weather brings more animals out and increases activity near roads, especially in rural or forested areas. Wild animals can appear suddenly, causing you to brake or swerve.

Here’s what you should do to prepare:

– Watch for signs: Pay close attention to animal crossing signs and slow down where they appear.
– Use high beams carefully: At night, high beams can help spot animals from further away. Just switch to low beams when other cars approach.
– Be cautious at dawn and dusk: These are the most active times for wildlife, so extra focus will help avoid surprises.
– Keep more space: In areas with animals, give extra space between you and the vehicle ahead. If they brake suddenly, you have more time to react.

A little awareness goes a long way in avoiding accidents with animals or other unseen threats along the way.

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Summer

Being careful doesn’t mean you have to miss out on summer fun. By staying alert, planning ahead, and keeping your vehicle in good shape, you can enjoy all your travels with peace of mind.

Traffic, heat, glare, fatigue, and surprise wildlife are all part of summer driving. But with the right habits and decisions, you can keep yourself, your passengers, and others safe on the road.

Whether you’re heading for the coast, the hills, or just visiting family, add a bit of thought to your drive. Enjoy the open roads, warm weather, and everything that summer offers with confidence and care.

As you hit the road this summer, remember that staying cautious can make all the difference during your travels. Holiday adventures can be unpredictable, but preparation keeps enjoyment at the forefront. If you’re caught up in a traffic mishap and need help, understanding your options for road traffic accidents claims can be the first step toward getting the support you need. At Bonnar Accident Law, we’re here to help you navigate these situations with confidence and care.

Road Traffic Accident Claim

How Weather Conditions Can Affect Your Road Traffic Accident Claim

May 26, 2025/in /by

Most drivers in Glasgow are familiar with how often the weather can change, sometimes within the same day. While a sudden downpour or a dense morning fog might just seem like frustrating delays, these conditions can play a much bigger role after a crash. The weather at the time of an accident can influence the outcome of a road traffic accident claim, affecting everything from who is considered at fault to how compensation is assessed.

Whether you are caught in heavy rain on the M8 or skidding on an icy street near your local shop, the weather can change the course of a claim. So if you have been involved in a road accident recently and are unsure how conditions on the road might impact your case, understanding how different types of weather are treated in legal and insurance processes can help you move forward with less confusion.

Common Weather Conditions And Their Impact

Living in Glasgow means getting used to unpredictable weather. From the cold, icy mornings in early spring to the heavy showers that seem to arrive out of nowhere, road users need to be alert all year round. But not every driver adjusts their behaviour to match the conditions, and that can lead to problems.

Here is how different types of weather can raise the risk of an accident and complicate the claims process:

– Rain: Wet roads reduce tyre grip, increase stopping distances, and can blur visibility. If a driver is going too fast during a heavy downpour, they may lose control or fail to stop in time.

– Fog: Limited visibility makes it harder to see other vehicles, road signs, or turns. Tailgating in foggy conditions is risky, and collisions in these situations often come down to whether drivers allowed enough space between vehicles.

– Ice and snow: These are known for making roads extremely slippery. Even if you are driving carefully, black ice can catch you off guard. In accidents involving ice, it often depends on whether the driver took sufficient precautions, like keeping speed low and avoiding sudden manoeuvres.

– Strong wind: Gusts can push vehicles into different lanes or blow debris onto the road. This condition can be especially dangerous for high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists.

Let’s say someone slid through a red light during a snowy spell. On the surface, it might seem like poor judgment, but when weather is factored in, things get messier. Was the road gritted? Were they travelling too fast for the conditions? These are questions that start to matter during the claims process.

Assessing weather-related incidents is not just about pointing out poor driving. It is about understanding whether the driver adapted their behaviour to suit the environment. Not doing so could be seen as careless or negligent, which can impact how much is awarded in a claim or whether a claim is successful at all.

Evidence And Documentation

After any road traffic accident, collecting details quickly can really help your case. When weather plays a part, it is especially important to make note of everything you can. Even small things can make a big difference down the line.

Photos are one of the most helpful things you can gather right after an accident. If it is safe to do so, take pictures of:

– The vehicles involved

– Road surface conditions (such as puddles, snow build-up, or black ice)

– Reduced visibility (like fog or heavy rain)

– Any damage to nearby property or road signs

– Skid marks or signs of braking

Besides photos, you should jot down everything you remember. What time did the accident happen? Was the road slippery? Did streetlights work? Were road markings visible? These small details add context and help paint a clearer picture for your solicitor and insurer.

Using weather reports from that day also helps. They can back up your account and show that unusual weather may have contributed to the situation. In some cases, traffic camera footage or dashcam clips can help show exactly what conditions were like in the minutes leading up to the crash.

The sooner you collect this info, the easier it is to build a stronger claim. Memories fade quickly, and weather can change fast, so do not wait to write things down or take those pictures if you can do so safely at the time.

Legal Considerations And Insurance

When weather plays a role in a road accident, working out who is to blame is not always simple. Insurance companies look closely at how drivers responded to the conditions. They want to know if drivers took reasonable steps to stay safe, like slowing down when it was pouring rain or keeping a proper distance in thick fog.

You do not want to be the one stuck with the blame just because someone says the bad weather made it unavoidable. If one driver was still speeding through a heavy downpour or did not clear their windscreen properly, they can still be found responsible.

That said, proving this can be tough. These are a few issues that commonly arise in weather-related claims:

– Disagreements about what the conditions were truly like

– Conflicting stories from the drivers involved

– Insurers denying claims because visibility or poor grip should have been expected

You may find that even if you did everything right, a claim can get challenged based on what the other driver says. This is where solid evidence and a clear account of what happened help. And if the case gets more complex, having legal support makes a big difference.

Steps To Take After A Weather-Related Accident

When the weather is bad and an accident happens, knowing what to do can make things less stressful. Safety comes first, then it is about getting the right details sorted quickly.

Here is a simple step-by-step list of what to do after a weather-related crash:

1. Check that everyone involved is safe. Call emergency services if needed.

2. Move to a safe place if the vehicles are creating a hazard, but only when it is safe to do so.

3. Exchange details with the other driver. Get names, addresses, car registrations, and insurance information.

4. Take clear photos of the crash scene, weather conditions, road signs, and damage.

5. Ask for contact info from any witnesses nearby.

6. Jot down notes while it is fresh – time of the crash, the type of weather, condition of the road, and anything else that might matter.

7. Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.

If conditions made it hard to see or drive properly, make sure that info is included in your report. Do not just assume the insurance company will understand from the photos – say exactly what it was like on the road, even if it seems obvious.

Why Working With A Specialist Legal Team Helps

Unlike simple fender-benders, accidents involving weather raise extra questions around what actions were reasonable. That makes proving fault more complicated. Knowing how the other driver responded to the same weather conditions matters, but it can be hard to confirm without the right legal backing.

Having someone on your side who understands how road traffic accident claims work, especially ones involving rain, snow, or poor visibility, gives you a better chance of success. They will know what evidence to focus on, how to deal with disputes over blame, and how to speak to insurers on your behalf.

Your solicitor can take the weight off your shoulders and make sure you are treated fairly from start to finish.

Tackling Weather-Related Claims With Clarity

Weather might not seem like something you can control, but how it is handled during your claim can push things in the right direction or slow things down. If you find yourself involved in a road accident in Glasgow during rough conditions, take the situation seriously and gather everything that can help your case.

The more carefully you document what happened and how weather affected the event, the clearer your position will be. And with complicated claims, legal advice can make the difference between being left out of pocket and getting the support you are due. Just remember – you are not alone in dealing with it.

Road traffic accident claims can often be tricky, especially when the weather plays a role. At Bonnar Accident Law, we understand how overwhelming it can sometimes be to gather everything needed to support your claim. Don’t let the stress get to you. If you need help understanding how to move forward, learn more about road traffic accident claims and how we can support you every step of the way.

Road Traffic Accidents in Scotland Top 10 Most Dangerous Roads

Road Traffic Accidents in Scotland: Top 10 Most Dangerous Roads

October 4, 2021/in , /by

Considering the vast number of cars on the road at any given time across the UK, it isn’t surprising that road traffic accidents occur on a daily basis up and down the country. Yet their frequency doesn’t negate from their seriousness, and we understand the devastation and disruption that these accidents can have on your life.

It isn’t of course an even picture across the UK, and tragically, Scotland has some of the worst injury and casualty rates from road traffic accidents. In fact, those living in the North-East of Scotland are the most likely in Britain to suffer a serious or fatal injury in a road traffic accident, with residents in the rural area of Banff and Buchan, more than twice as likely to be killed than the national average.

It is a worrying trend that is consistent throughout Scotland and although the rate of minor injuries is roughly the same as those of England and Wales, new statistics have shown that the rate of serious and fatal injuries is overall higher in Scotland. Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we deal with more road traffic crashes than any other form of accident. We have years of experience and the relevant expertise to fully understand your case. Get in touch today if you would like more information and advice or keep reading to find out some of the most hazardous stretches of road in Scotland.

 

Why are the road traffic accident rates in Scotland higher?

Whilst there are many factors that can contribute to or cause road traffic accidents, from a general lack of concentration all the way to drink driving, there are factors specific to Scotland that are likely the reason for the higher accident and casualty rates.

Scotland is home to many rural roads, especially in the North and whilst many may assume that rural roads are safer because they are quieter, they’re forgetting the many unseen hazards that muddy, windy and narrow rural roads can present. In fact, the Department for Transport’s figures shows that across all age groups, 57% of all fatalities occur on rural roads, with this increasing to 71% for young drivers aged between 17-24 years old.

Common causes of car accidents on rural roads include failure to look, loss of control, travelling too fast for the conditions and unmanaged accident blackspots. These blackspots are prevalent across Scotland and account for a higher-than-average number of road accidents, due to factors such as hidden or poorly signposted junctions, hidden dips in the road, and unexpected sharp bends on fast roads.

 

What are the most dangerous roads in Scotland?

Up to date statistics on the number of road traffic accidents which cause serious injury or fatality, were recently unveiled by the Scottish Government. The figures show that between the start of 2017 and the summer of 2019, there were 785 serious or fatal accidents on Scotland’s trunk roads. At least one person lost their life in 137 of these. The most dangerous road in Scotland, the A82, heads up the top 10 list. See the rest below:

  1. A82 (Glasgow to Inverness via Fort William)

  2. A9 (Falkirk to Thurso)

  3. A90 (Edinburgh to Fraserburgh via Dundee and Aberdeen)

  4. A77 (Glasgow to Portpatrick)

  5. A96 (Aberdeen to Inverness)

  6. M8 (Edinburgh to Glasgow)

  7. M74 (A74(M)) (Gretna to Glasgow)

  8. A85 (Perth to Oban)

  9. A92 (Dunfermline to Aberdeen)

  10. A83 (Argyll)

An accident hotspot that’s a little closer to home, is the Shawhead flyover in Coatbridge, on the doorstep of our Airdrie office. Installed as part of the M8/A8 improvement project, the flyover consists of crossroads with traffic lights, replacing the previously existing roundabouts. However, it has been branded a ‘death trap’ by many local residents and MSP’s due to the numerous accidents since its installation in 2019, the most recent of which occurred in March 2021.

 

What do I do if I’m injured in a road traffic accident in Scotland that wasn’t my fault?

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 a road traffic 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.

accident claim

Rear-End Shunts: Who’s Fault Was It?

July 20, 2021/in , /by

Hundreds of thousands of road traffic accidents occur on UK roads every single year and research from various insurance bodies has estimated that rear-end shunts account for 1 in 4 of all road traffic accidents. When it comes to rear-end collisions, there is a strong assumption that the rear vehicle is at fault, regardless of whether or not the driver of the front vehicle drove in a manner which may have contributed to the accident.  

This is because motorists are expected to allow sufficient distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, so to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front were to suddenly stop. Rule 126 of the Highway Code states: “Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance.”

However, we understand that no two accidents are ever the same and it always depends on the individual circumstances. As with all personal injury claims, you need to show negligence on the part of the other driver or drivers, involved in the accident.

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we have significant experience handling these types of claims so if you are injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, get in touch today or keep reading to find out exactly what a rear-end shunt is, how to determine who is at fault and the steps you should take if you are injured.

 

What is a Rear-End Shunt?

A rear-end shunt is when one vehicle collides into the back of a vehicle in front. This might be when the car in front is stationary, for example at a junction, roundabout or traffic lights, or when congested traffic is moving slowly. Accidents such as these are common when the driver of the rear vehicle has a momentary loss of concentration or when they’re perhaps travelling too close to the vehicle in front. Multiple rear-end shunts can also be common in lines of queuing traffic and can create a ‘domino effect’, where the impact of a car hitting the end of a queue can push other cars forward into the back of the cars in front of them.

 

Who is at Fault?

The reason most rear-end shunts are the fault of the rear driver is because they can see what is ahead and take the necessary measures to prevent the crash. Whether it’s by paying attention to the weather conditions, the road conditions, or the traffic ahead, it’s our responsibility as motorists to stay alert and keep a safe distance between ourselves and the vehicle in front of us, so we can stop in time in the event of an accident. The driver of the vehicle in front should be taking these same steps, and therefore, may be unaware of the accident that might be about to occur behind them or have no way of preventing the rear driver from hitting their car. This is especially true when the front driver is stationary at traffic lights or a junction.

With that said, there are occasions when the actions of the front driver may make it impossible for a rear driver to stop in time and in those circumstances, the front driver may be at fault for the accident. For example, if the driver in front comes to a sudden and abrupt stop, at a time and in a location that couldn’t be foreseeable or if the front driver’s tail lights aren’t working.

 

What do I do if I am Involved in a Rear-End Shunt?

We completely understand that at the time of the accident you may be too shaken to clearly identify who was at fault. If you aren’t sure, then do not admit liability or responsibility for the accident. Rather just stay calm and try to remember as many of the details as you can as these can help to support your claim if you weren’t at fault. Especially in the case of rear-end shunts, evidence retrieved from dashcam footage or witness accounts can hugely back up your claim. Other details you should obtain at the time include:

  • The other driver’s name, address, contact details and insurance details
  • Videos or photographs of the scene and of any damage to your car if possible
  • The contact details of any witnesses
  • The registration, make and model of the vehicle
  • The date, time and location of the accident

If required, make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible and report to your GP following any admission to the hospital. And as ever, 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.

Understanding Whiplash 

September 28, 2020/in /by
Understanding Whiplash, What is Whiplash

Understanding Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in those who have been involved in road accidents. Although it may not be debilitating to the point of being unable to work, whiplash can be extremely painful and can introduce neck and shoulder pain or even headaches that could stay with you for life.  

 

What is whiplash?  

Whiplash occurs usually when you are in a vehicle which has been hit from the rear, the head is thrown forward with the momentum of the collision but the seatbelt stops the body from moving more than an inch or so, meaning that the neck and head extend forward in a jerked motion.  

Although this is more common if your car has been hit from behind, it can also occur in the rear car or can occur due to a sports accident, fall or physical abuse.  

The resulting injury varies in severity depending on the speed of the collision, but often manifests in at least a very sore neck, and at most severe pain in the neck and shoulders, debilitating headaches and nausea.  

 

How long will it take to recover?  

For most people, it will take about two to three months to make a full recovery, however, there are some cases that will take longer to heal properly due to the severity of the accident. In rare cases, people experience chronic pain after a whiplash incident.  

 

Whiplash and the Law 

Whiplash is a very common injury, but many are unaware of what the law says about whiplash. Like all injures, you must have proof that an independent medical practitioner has assessed you and given you a diagnosis if you are to make a claim. Although whiplash injuries vary in severity, we understand that no injury is just a nuisance. If you suffered whiplash in an injury that wasn’t your fault, you could be due compensation.  

 

What can I do?  

If you’ve been in an accident and you feel you may have whiplash, contact your GP immediately to start medication and exercise to put you back to rights.  

 

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