10 People died today, and 100 more people suffered brain damage, loss of limbs or paralysis.
In fact, this happens every day on Britain’s roads. These are the cold statistics; but behind the facts for every person killed or injured on the road, there are friends and families whose lives are shattered by such an unexpected and horrifying event.
You may – perhaps rightly – think you are a good driver, and deaths and injuries are everybody else’s problem or fault. But every day normal people like us take risks, make mistakes, and end up causing loss of life. (Source: Green Flag)
The fact above does make for uncomfortable reading; even though most of the time motorway journeys are uneventful and safe.
On the motorway there are a number of lanes where the traffic is all travelling in the same direction, so why do we still have accidents?
There are many reasons and the outcome can be very minor to the more severe accidents, including fatalities.
So, as users of the motorway, either as the driver or a passenger, how can we make the sure that these roads become safer and avoid that anxious feeling that many of us experience when the motorways cannot be avoided on our journey?
- Make sure that your vehicle is in good repair
- Do you have sufficient fuel for your journey?
- Are you well rested? If you feel tired you will not be able to concentrate?
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you
- Plan your journey before you set off so you know which exits and turnings you have to make
- When overtaking or merging lanes, check not only your mirror but your blind spot and indicate so other drivers are aware that you are changing lanes.
- In the event of an accident or a break down, know your highway code – the use of hazard lights, move yourself and any passengers to a safe position and do not stand on the hard shoulder, stand on the embankment away from the motorway traffic.
- If you have children in the vehicle, ensure that they are secure within their seatbelts, car seats. Older children should be told how to behave in the vehicle when travelling.
These are just a few tips to help you make your journey safer – if only everyone would adhere and look out for others and not just themselves, journeys would be more comfortable and road users would become less anxious.
If you have been involved in a motorway accident and suffered an injury, even if you were stuck in one of the famous motorway traffic jams when it happened, call an independent injury lawyer and ask for free advice on what you should do. If you do need medical treatment or have suffered any loss at all even a couple of days off work, you may be entitled to submit a claim to compensate this.
