Pryers, who specialise in Personal Injury claims, have launched a new social media campaign promoting road safety. Our ‘Spot the Bike’ Campaign promotes the importance of road safety and visibility of cyclists to all road users.
Road safety awareness
We commissioned photographs highlighting how difficult it can be to see cyclists in certain situations. This might be in busy traffic, poor or changeable lighting or blind spots. We want to encourage all road users to take extra care around vulnerable road users. We also want to highlight the hidden hazards that cyclists often have to manoeuvre.
Research by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) found that the most common key contributory factor recorded by the police is “failed to look properly” by either driver or rider, especially at junctions. In 57% of serious collisions, the driver was said to have “failed to look properly”. Other common contributory factors attributed to drivers are “poor turn/manoeuvre” (in 17% of serious accidents) and “careless, reckless, in a hurry” (17%).
As personal injury experts, we have seen the long term effects of injuries from road traffic accidents. We want to focus on road safety because we cannot continue seeing so many many cyclists injured in unnecessary accidents. We also want to raise awareness so that everyone on the road understands the potential hazards. This is especially the case as worsening winter weather makes roads more dangerous.
Cyclists often come to us for help after an accident, despite being clearly visible. They are usually cycling on busy roads on their way to work. But for some reason, the driver didn’t notice them.
Cycling infrastructure
We have many cyclists at Pryers. We have an office in the heart of York, so many choose to commute on their bikes. Marketing Manager, Angela Harford said: “We are fortunate that cycling facilities are improving. But the existing infrastructure often forces cyclists, as a minority group, to share the roads with considerably larger and faster vehicles. Most drivers are looking for other vehicles and not the lower profile of a cyclist or motorcyclist. With the ‘Spot the Bike’ campaign, we want to help motorists be more aware of their surroundings. They need to take more care whilst sharing the road with cyclists and motorcyclists. This may encourage more people to cycle safely and confidently.”
Helping cyclists get back on track after an accident
A cyclist colliding with a vehicle can not only be traumatic but also very painful. Some injuries can last a long time, we help our clients gain access to valuable funds and rehabilitation services. If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident find out how we can help you on your road to recovery. Or contact our team to find out more.
