Legal News

Police in Kent have launched their winter campaign to help road users stay safe on Kent’s roads.

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are now one of the most common reasons for people making personal injury claims – including Britons involved in RTAs abroad.

Kent police say that long, dark nights, poor weather, the party season – and even school holidays – can all contribute to a higher death and road accident rate on the roads in Kent.

Inspector Martin Stevens from Kent’s Roads Policing Unit, said:

“Last winter, 15 people tragically lost their lives in collisions on our roads – and a further 157 were seriously injured.

“Winter can be a dangerous time if people do not take sensible precautions.”

Insp Stevens said that there are several ways in which road users can make sure they stay safe this winter, including cyclists and bikers making sure they are visible to motorists and HGVs.

Other road users should also be vigilant and keep a look out for cyclists and motorcyclists on the road.

“This year, the majority of incidents the Serious Collision Investigation Unit has had to deal with have involved either motorcycles or bicycles,” said Insp Stevens.

“That is not to say that bikers and cyclists are at fault – or that drivers are at fault. It is simply that bikers and cyclists are harder to spot on the roads and less protected from injury than someone in a larger vehicle.”

The Stay Safe this Winter campaign on Kent’s roads is also aimed at pedestrians.

“Pedestrians may not consider themselves at risk – but they are themselves a potential hazard for other road users,” warned Insp Stevens.

“Walking late at night – and especially around Christmas and New Year after consuming alcohol – greatly heightens your risk of being involved in a serious incident; so know your limits and stick to well-lit areas where possible.”

Insp Stevens said that heavy snow falling in early spring this year had also led to problems and an increase in accidents on Kent’s roads.

“Snow is another problem – when we had snow in March this year, we saw a 30% increase in calls to our control centre in Maidstone,” he said.

“In 24 hours, we experienced more than 700 calls relating to collisions, obstructions, broken down and abandoned vehicles, debris in the carriageway and other traffic hazards.

“But by following our safety advice – and thinking carefully about all road users – we can hopefully minimise the numbers of people hurt on the roads this winter.”

Compensation claims for RTA injuries

Injuries from RTAs may be eligible for compensation if the accident was a result of another individual’s negligence – including if a passenger in a car or on a motorbike is injured as a result of the driver’s recklessness (dangerous driving).

Pedestrians or road users injured as a result of drink driving or drug driving may also be eligible for compensation for their injuries if the driver is found negligent or convicted for DUI (driving under the influence).

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of personal injury lawyers and can advise those injured in RTAs about making a claim for RTA injuries.

RTA injuries eligible for compensation may range from whiplash to serious injuries like fractures – or catastrophic life changing injuries like loss of limb, brain injury, or quadriplegia requiring lifelong care.

Duncan Lewis is also a leading Legal Aid solicitor

For expert legal advice on making a no win no fee personal injury claim for RTA injuries, contact Duncan Lewis on 020 7923 4020.