The darker nights and colder evenings have arrived. It’s always important to be careful when out and about, but more than ever during the winter period. With less light, there is more chance of accidents occurring, as drivers may not see pedestrians, cyclists or other vulnerable road users on the road as easily.
Did you know that the overall chances of being involved in an accident rises by 20% during winter? According to data from insurer, Admiral, the highest percentage of severe incidents take place during the winter months, with 12% of claims in February, 11% of claims in January and December, and 10% of claims in November being classified as severe.
To avoid a car accident when driving in the dark, always make sure that your vehicle is ready for the journey ahead. Do you have tyres with good grip? Check that there are no warning lights on your vehicle and make sure to know which headlights you should use before setting off. It is even more important in winter months to stick to the speed limit, as it is much easier to lose control of your vehicle in wet weather which could result in hitting a cyclist, pedestrian or oncoming vehicle. If you drive safely this significantly reduces the chances of having an accident.
If you are a cyclist, during the winter months there is decreased visibility, poor weather conditions and also a risk of ice on the roads which, combined, make cycling accidents more common in the winter months. The most common time for a cyclist to have an accident during winter is between 3pm and 6pm when the light is starting to fade and there is an increased number of vehicles on the road alongside cyclists, with people heading home from work.
To help avoid an accident, cyclists should make sure that they have lights on their bike, so that other vehicles on the road are aware of their presence. It is also important that they wear the correct gear, not just to keep warm but again to be seen by other road users. High visibility jackets and reflectors are essential during wintertime to increase the visibility of cyclists, and also pedestrians. Another important piece of advice for cyclists is to always wear a helmet, as if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a road traffic accident, your injuries could be significantly worse without a helmet.
If you are a cyclist, pedestrian or other vulnerable road user and have been involved in a collision that wasn’t your fault then please do not hesitate to contact our personal injury experts on 0161 696 6235 to discuss the claim further.
By Rachel Gildart, new busienss advisor
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