With Lancashire Constabulary warning
cyclists and motorists to take care to look out for each other, personal injury
solicitors Lytham St Anne's would like to remind motorists that this is
increasingly important as the winter draws in and road conditions become more
dangerous.
Overall, cyclists represent 10.2% of the
deaths on Lancashire's roads and 6.5% of all injuries, with the rate of deaths
increasing year-on-year. Between January and September 2013, 97 cyclists were
seriously injured or killed on the county's roads, compared with only 64 over
the same timeframe in 2012.
This means that while Lancashire's roads
are becoming safer in general, the number of cycling accidents is increasing -
something no win no fee solicitors Lytham St Anne's have also noticed.
Lancashire Constabulary Chief Inspector
Debbie Howard - a member of the force's Road Policing Unit - noted that the
responsibility for cycling accidents appears to be split half-way between
drivers and other road users, and with around 80% of all cyclists also owning a
driving license, there is common ground between both parties.
Some of the causes of cycling accidents she
outlined include cyclists failing to pay proper attention to what is going on
around them, and drivers failing to take enough time to effectively look out
for cyclists.
Advice for cyclists:
- - Don't ride on the inside of long vehicles, such as buses or lorries
- - Ride decisively and positively
- - Stay clear of the kerb
- - Signal to other drivers
- - Use lights in poor visibility or in the dark
- - Wear light or high-vis clothing
- - Wear a cycle helmet
- - Follow the Highway Code
Advice for motorists
- - Take extra care to pay attention to cyclists and remain observant
- - Drive properly and use indicators when merging or turning
- - Check for bike-riders before opening car doors
- - Give a minimum of half a car's width when overtaking cyclists
- - Don't drive over any advanced stop signs, as these exist for cyclists' safety
- - Follow the Highway Code
Lancashire Constabulary has launched a
campaign to raise awareness of cyclist safety among drivers and cyclists -
personal injury solicitors burnley hope the campaign is successful.
