Lawford Kidd's Blog

The summer months are the most dangerous period for public place accidents that result in a personal injury claim, according to new analysis by Ireland’s Injuries Board.

Last year, July was the month that recorded the highest frequency of accidents resulting in compensation awards, while Saturday proved to be the most dangerous day of the week for public place personal injury accidents.

Public liability (PL) awards are made in respect of injuries suffered as a result of an accident in a public place. In 2014, the Injuries Board made 2,151 PL awards with corresponding compensation totalling €53 million, compared to €44 million in 2013 in respect of 1,768 awards.

Brake, the road safety charity, is calling on Scotland's drivers to commit to staying stone cold sober if driving home from Christmas festivities, to avoid causing devastating casualties.

The call comes as Police Scotland's annual drink and drug driving enforcement campaign kicks off. The month long campaign sees forces across Scotland stepping up checks to catch drink and drug drivers putting lives in danger.

In 2011 (most recent figures available), drivers over the drink drive limit were responsible for 680 road casualties in Scotland; 90 people sustained serious injuries and 20 were killed. While casualties have dropped by 43% since 2001, Brake argues more must be done to reduce these entirely preventable deaths and serious injuries to zero.