Increase in Serious Injuries for Scottish Cyclists

A new map plotting cyclist accident hotspots has revealed the most dangerous areas for vulnerable road users to use.

The statistics, which come from Transport Scotland reveal the most likely places for fatal and serious injuries with the study revealing a mixed success rate. This year has seen a significant reduction in the number of fatal accidents involving cyclists . However, there has been a slight increase in the number of cyclists seriously injured.

Last year eight cyclists lost their lives on Scotland’s roads, a substantial drop of 38.5% from the previous year however almost 900 cyclists were seriously injured, indicating a slight rise of 0.5%.

Cycling Injuries in Scotland

Perhaps unsurprisingly cities and urban areas were the most common areas for accidents to occur with Glasgow and Edinburgh having the most cycling accidents. According to the map created by Transport Scotland showing the number of accident hotspots, the Highlands was the safest area with Edinburgh and Glasgow having the most fatalities and serious injuries.

The map highlighting injuries from Transport Scotland comes after the Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2015 showed the trends involving cyclists over a ten-year period relating to cars, cyclists, pedestrians and HGV and LGV drivers. Since 2004, 114 pedal cycle casualties have been reported to the police, with the largest spike in incidents occurring between 2010 and 2012.

Alarmingly cyclists account for less than 1% of all road traffic on Scotland but account for more than 8% of all accidents in Scotland. Unsurprisingly the time with the most cars on the road (rush hour) accounted for most of the accidents with 9pm and 6am being the safest time to cycle. The most common reason for accidents was vehicle drivers failing to properly look at junctions with 13% of all accidents occurring as a result of this. In contrast, only 1% of accidents occurred due to road conditions. The study also found that those aged between 30-50 years old were the most likely to be involved in an accident with 83% of all road traffic accidents involving a car.

Cycling Accidents: Making a Claim

If you have been injured in a cycling accident through no fault of your own, you could be entitled to make a personal injury claim. Vulnerable road users can be exceptionally at risk and injuries can be much more severe than those in a car or lorry. Due to the exposure on a bike cyclists are likely to suffer broken limbs, fractures, and severe head injuries.

If you have been injured in an road traffic accident or a cycling accident not only can you claim for the injuries sustained but also for any damage to property, any rehabilitation costs and loss of income if your injuries were so severe you were unable to work. Making a personal injury claim can be exceptionally complex, however, our team of solicitors are experts at getting our clients compensation they deserve.

Contact Us

If you have been injured on the when cycling or suffered any injury on the roads, in public or in the workplace, our team of expert solicitors can help. Our team of solicitors will be able to inform you of exactly what evidence is needed to make a personal injury claim and what you may need to provide to build the strongest possible case. Contact us today using our online contact form.