Six people died in road accidents in the Greater Glasgow area in 2013, according to the latest provisional figures from Transport Scotland. Four of these deaths took place in the city itself, while two occurred in East Renfrewshire.
Compare this to the figures for Ayrshire. Over the same period, twelve people died in accidents in Ayrshire – a region with a much smaller population density than Greater Glasgow. But why the difference? Are Ayrshire’s roads that much more dangerous?
In short, the answer is yes. Many of the roads in Ayrshire are country roads and it is well known that fatal road accidents are much more likely to occur on rural roads than on roads in towns and cities. It is one of the recognised common factors in road accidents.
This is partly because of the speed limits involved - fatal accidents are much more likely at 60 mph than at 30 mph – but it is also because rural roads have more hazards. Examples include:
- Dips and bends
- They can be very narrow
- Mud
- No street lighting
- Unexpectedly slow traffic
But this does not mean that urban roads are safe. Most accidents actually occur on urban roads, although they take place at lower speeds and so those involved tend to suffer less serious injuries. So, for example, Transport Scotland’s figures also show that in 2013 143 people were seriously injured in car accidents in Glasgow city. A further 1,081 suffered minor injuries.
Glasgow Car Accident Compensation Claim
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, even if you were partially at fault, you may be able to claim compensation for:
- Your pain and suffering
- Loss of wages
- Any help provided to you by your family because of your injuries and
- Other financial losses, such as having to buy a wheelchair or installing a stair lift
Glasgow Car Accident Lawyers
It is a complicated area and expert advice is essential.
Thompsons is a firm of award winning personal injury solicitors. We are passionate about justice for ordinary people and their families. Call us on 0800 0891 331 and take your first step towards compensation.