This Sunday 11th November, across the UK, the Commonwealth and many other countries around the world, we mark Rememberance Day, pausing to honour those who have bravely sacrificed their lives in armed conflicts around the world.
Although widely observed, the 11th November is not a globally recognised day of rememberance. Many countries, including Italy, Germany and the Netherlands for example, have their own specific rememberance days and whilst the USA's Veterans Day on the 11th November is both a Federal and State holiday, it's Memorial Day (also known as Decoration Day and which takes place in May), that more closely resembles our observance of Rememberance.
Remembrance for Road Traffic Accident Victims
It was whilst researching our previous post earlier this week (Road Traffic Accidents - We All Have Them!), that I learned of a 'World Day of Rememberance' of which I had previously been unaware. Just a week after Rememberance Day, Sunday, 18th November marks World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Accident Victims. This year, both Slovenia and France are unveiling new National Memorials in honour of those killed in road traffic accidents in their respective countries.
Autumn: Worst Time of Year for Road Traffic Accidents
Here in the UK, although accurate figures are hard to come by due to widespread under-reporting, it's estimated that there are around 730,000 people either killed or hurt in road traffic accidents (or "RTA's") every year.
The worst months of the year for road traffic accidents in the UK are October and November, as the weather conditions deteriorate in autumn, the roads become more dangerous and drivers struggle to adapt their driving style appropriately. Heavy rain, strong winds, snow, ice and hail all add to perilous driving conditions.
So what can you do to reduce the chances of being involved in a road traffic accident?
Reducing Your Chances of a Road Traffic Accident in the Autumn & Winter Period
Prepared Your Car for Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions
- Get the car serviced - or at least take your car to a mechanic and ask them to check the battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes, and defroster.
- Check the tyres - to help reduce the risk of skidding, check your car's tyre condition and pressure. The current legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but during the winter months it is a sensible idea to ensure your tyres have at least 3mm of tread depth. This should also help increase your car's fuel efficiency and lower your petrol costs.
- Check the lights - make sure the front, back and hazard lights are working and clean. Broken lights not only make it difficult for you to see the road clearly but also make it harder for other drivers to see you.
- Fill up – Always try to keep the car at least half full with petrol, this will reduce condensation and make it easier to start on cold mornings. It also reduces the likelihood of running out and getting stuck on the side of road in poor conditions.
- Windscreen and wipers – It’s a good idea to add some antifreeze screen wash to your wiper fluid and to check the spray nozzles are unblocked.
- Keep it clean – road salt is often used during the colder months and can damage the car’s paint, a good rinse or wash will help prevent this.
Now the Car is Ready for Winter, Make Sure You Are Too:
It’s a good idea to have an emergency kit in the car, this will help should you break down, have an accident or be affected by adverse weather. Remember to include: torch, blanket, first aid kit, water, food, additional warm clothes and an ice scraper. If travelling in snow a shovel can prove useful too.
Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, a car charger is a wise investment and have the number of your car breakdown service with you so that you can call for help should you need it.
By following the above advice and by adapting your driving style to match the road conditions, you should help reduce your chances of being in a road traffic accident - however, you can't guarentee that everyone will be as well prepared!
Victim of an RTA?
If through no fault of your own, you are involved in a Road Traffic Accident we are here to help. Our friendly specialist advisors can talk to you about your situation and see if you have a valid compensation claim. There is no charge for this service and you are under no obligation to claim with us.
If you have a genuine claim, contact a genuine company.
May I Claim, is a trading name of R Costings Limited and our CRM number is 25770
If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault and suffered an injury - you can trust us to handle your claim professionally.
Call us now on 0800 756 7774 and talk to us to find out if you have a claim - or fill in our Quick Claim form (on the right of this page).
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/242068/Autumn-Worst-Time-of-Year-for-Road-Traffic-Accidents
 delicious 