As lockdown restrictions gradually start to ease, there is a chance we will start to see an increase in the number of accidents taking place on our roads.

This is due to the fact beer gardens have reopened – thereby increasing the opportunity for drink driving to occur – and that the warmer months can also see a rise in the number of accidents.

In 2019, June saw 1,004 more casualties among car users than February, according to statistics by the Department for Transport.

Figures from 2020 have not yet been released – and are likely to be drastically different to those in years previous due to the effect lockdown had on traffic levels.

Prioritise safety on the roads

To try to ensure the safety of all road users, your focus should be on yourself. If you’re driving, be sure to adhere to the rules of the road and to drive appropriately to the conditions. If you’re a pedestrian or cyclist, ensure you’re watching what motorists are doing.

But there is only so much you can do. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users, but not everyone takes it as seriously as they should.

This is why you should ensure you’re prepared in the event of an accident.

You’ll have to make sure you follow the protocol following an accident. This involves stopping as it is an offence to drive away from a road accident. Once you’ve turned your engine off, check yourself and any passengers over for injuries.

Then inform the police. They need to be told about the accident within 24 hours of it happening. Not informing them risks points on your licence, a fine or even disqualification.

You should also make sure you seek medical attention. If you decide later to pursue legal action over what happened, a medical report could prove valuable evidence.

Know the legislation changes

It’s also important to think about the fact the government is introducing reforms to the way road accident claims are processed. Lower value claims will have to be processed by litigants in person through an online portal.

This is going to affect whiplash claims in particular. Compensation levels for these claims will also be cut significantly.

So even though people are still going to be involved in car accidents, those who have them on or after 31 May will receive less assistance, less compensation and ultimately less access to justice.

It’s just one more reason to try to avoid these kinds of accidents.

Image copyright: sraphotohut.