APIL’s Injury Prevention Week 2020 – Pedestrian Safety

During the Covid-19 lockdown, we have certainly noticed a reduction of vehicles and pedestrians on the roads and footpaths. However, as the restrictions have started to ease and the country begins to return to a new state of normality, we have seen an increased number of enquiries from people involved in road traffic accidents.

In light of the increased number of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists on the roads and with children preparing to return schools in September, the not-for-profit Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), has extended their annual Injury Prevention Day to a full week between 17 to 21 August 2020.

The focus of the campaign this year is on pedestrian safety, and prevention of harm, rather than trying to resolve injuries after they have occurred. Given that most children have been absent from school since March, the campaign comes at an appropriate time and provides a helpful reminder about the importance of being road aware.

Brake, the road safety charity, has noted some shocking statistics. For example, five people are killed on UK roads every day, and more than 60 are seriously injured. There were nearly 28,000 people killed or seriously injured in the year ending June 2019. Importantly, 90% of road traffic accidents are said to be preventable, so it is essential to consider how you can reduce your risk of causing or suffering an injury when out and about.

All too often we see the aftermath of road traffic collisions, and the impact they have on the lives of victims. As your little ones begin to walk to school again and catch public transport, it is a crucial time to remind them of road safety and in particular, the Green Cross Code. To reduce the risk of injury to your children, be sure to remind them about keeping their mobile phones away to avoid getting distracted, finding a safe place to cross the road, stopping before they get to a kerb, looking and listening for surrounding traffic and letting vehicles pass if they are approaching.

APIL’s initiative provides helpful reminders to road users about hidden, but potentially very dangerous risks. For example, all pedestrians should ensure they are looking out for white reversing lights when they pass behind vehicles. If you want to follow the campaign on social media and find out more about how you can reduce your risk of being injured in a road traffic collision, follow the hashtag #IPWeek2020. More details about the initiative can be found on APIL’s website.

Raising awareness and reminding everyone about the importance of being road aware is paramount in order to reduce the risk of avoidable deaths and injuries, not just during APIL’s Injury Prevention Week, but at all times.

Some of our Personal Injury experts hold accreditations with APIL and have dealt with hundreds of road traffic accidents over the years.

If you would like to speak with one of our experienced Personal Injury team members about an injury suffered as a result of a road traffic accident, call us on 0121 752 2818, or email info@personalinjurylawyerbirmingham.org

By: Martha O’Toole
Title: APIL’s Injury Prevention Week 2020 – Pedestrian Safety
Sourced From: www.tayloremmet.co.uk/blog/wordpress/apil-injury-prevention-week-2020-pedestrian-safety/
Published Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2020 10:42:44 +0000