Legal News

The government is launching a new road safety campaign today (26/09/16), urging cyclists in London and Manchester to “hang back” from lorries, in an attempt to reduce the number of crashes and improve cycling safety.

Road Safety Minister Andrew Jones is launching the campaign and the THINK! campaign is promoting the fact that riding a bike is very safe and is greener and healthier – as well as being more sustainable – than other forms of transport.

However, cutting the number of accidents is a top priority – and the THINK! campaign has been developed after statistics showed that, in 2015, one-fifth of crashes where cyclists were killed involved HGVs.

A large proportion of deaths happen when a cyclist is at the front left of the truck – and almost one-third of all collisions between cyclists and HGVs
happen when the lorry is turning left.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said:

“We are investing £300 million over the next four years to help make Britain a cycling nation.

“Reducing the number of cyclists killed on our roads is a key priority – since 2010, the number has decreased to its lowest level.”

The campaign features a film “Things you shouldn’t get caught between”, as well as posters carrying carry the message “‘Don’t get caught between a lorry and a left turn. Hang back”.

The campaign will also target HGV drivers through partnership activity with the Freight Transport Association (FTA) – and will be supported by tips for car drivers in general to raise awareness of cycle safety on the roads.

Freight Transport Association Head of National and Regional Policy, Christopher Snelling, said:

“We need to make our busy urban roads as safe as possible for all users – and it’s important that both HGV drivers and cyclists understand the risks created by sharing the limited road space and know what steps they can take to minimise them.”

The Department for Transport (DfT) campaign highlights one of the key danger zones – the blind spot at the front left of a HGV.

The government says that new design innovations such as transparent cab doors all have a part to play in improving safety in the long term – but increased awareness can have immediate impact.

FTA encourages all HGV drivers and cyclists to visit the campaign website to find out more about the campaign message.

On top of the THINK! campaign, the government is investing £40 million into Bikeability training over the next four years, which will provide more than one million children with the key skills to keep them safe on the road.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Cyclist Accident Claims

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise cyclists who sustain injury as a result of the negligence of another road user or a poorly maintained road surface on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Cyclist accident claims have to be made within three years of injury or diagnosis of injury – children can make personal injury claims up to the age of 21.

Duncan Lewis also offers supportive legal advice to bereaved families whose loved one has lost their life as a result of the negligence of another road user and who wish to make a claim.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Cyclist Accident Claims, call Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors on 0333 772 0409.