Supporting Road Safety Week 2018 in Glasgow

Every November, Brake run the UK's biggest road safety event, Road Safety Week, which involves individuals, schools, communities and businesses across the country.

This year, Road Safety Week is from 19 – 25 November and is focusing on the two wheel road users. They are encouraging everyone to become Bike Smart.

According to Transport Scotland, there were 729 cycling casualties in 2017 and of these, five cyclists died and 171 were seriously injured. The number of cyclists seriously injured has risen from the year before by 23.

Additionally, there were 620 motorcycle casualties in 2017. Of these, 29 motorcyclists died and 281 were seriously injured. Again, the number of those seriously injured is up from the previous year by 13.

Sadly, cyclists and motorcyclists are vulnerable road users. Statistically, motorcyclists are 38 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car occupants per mile ridden. When you add in the fact that more people are taking up cycling than ever before, the reasons behind this year’s campaign is clear.

The Bike Smart campaign will be targeting policy makers, drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists.

During the week, they have five events taking place in shopping centres across the UK with the idea of attempting to cycle 9740km on static gym bikes throughout the week to remember the motorcyclists and cyclists killed and seriously injured every year.

Digby Brown are supporting the Glasgow event by organising and staffing the stand with people taking part in the virtual cycle, distributing leaflets and collecting donations at Braehead Shopping Centre on Thursday 22nd November between 10am - 6pm.

We have worked alongside Brake for many years and sponsor their helpline in Scotland which deliver vital advice to anyone who has been bereaved or seriously injured in a crash, their families and carers.

Fraser Simpson, Digby Brown Partner and spokesperson from Brake, the road safety charity, said: “It is a sad truth that cyclists and motorcyclists are at greater risk of serious injury in the event of a crash.

“Every day we hear of bike accidents that could have been avoided, many of which are caused by drivers failing to actually see cyclists or bikers on the road.

“Through our work, we see first-hand the devastating impact that crashes have on individuals and families and we are committed to reducing the needless carnage on our roads.

“More awareness and education on bike safety is critical to achieving this goal and we are proud to support Road Safety Week.”

Read local stories about the effects of dangerous driving to cyclists and motorcyclists – and how we have helped after an injury:

Why I will never ride a bike again - Graeme's story

Graeme Cowan was riding his motorcycle home from work when a driver failed to see him and collided into his bike.

Injured cyclist secures compensation after car just drives off

As a car approached a junction, it failed to stop, colliding with Margaret who was cycling her bike at the time. The car driver stopped briefly but drove off, not exchanging any information.

Cyclist injured abroad awarded compensation in Scotland

Iain, a 46-year-old cyclist from Scotland, was on the second day of his cycling holiday in Spain when he was involved in road traffic accident.

“After the accident, the driver acted like she couldn’t care less about what had happened and wasn’t apologetic at all. She tried to drive off but the police stopped her.”

Elgin motorcycle accident helped by Digby Brown Inverness

An Elgin motorcyclist was injured after he was hit by an oncoming car along the B9135. The driver tried to join the carriageway but forced our client to carry out an emergency stop where he was thrown from his motorcycle, landing on the tarmac.

Driver changes story and claims he’s not at fault for accident

Mr Brooks was cycling on a roundabout in Aberdeen when a driver pulled out without giving way to him, cutting across his path and knocking him off his bike.

The driver admitted fault and apologised at the scene, but later changed his story.

Why expert legal advice mattered for injured motorcyclist

A 20-year-old local Fife man was involved in a life changing motorcycle accident after a car driver reversed from a driveway onto the main street, hitting his motorcycle.

Cyclist secures double the first offer after being knocked off bike

Our Ayr office acted for Mr Anderson after a car knocked him off his bike. The driver stopped and claimed that he had not seen Mr Anderson despite the fact that he was wearing several pieces of brightly coloured clothing.

Fatal accident compensation after driver given ‘not proven’ verdict

Evelyn Watson lost her son Sandy in a fatal motorcycle accident in Scotland after a van driver failed to spot him overtaking the van and pulled out to overtake the vehicle in front.