News & Info

It will come as no great surprise that research shows adverse weather events, particularly those involving snow or ice warnings, increase the likelihood of road traffic accidents.

The research, conducted by the Personal Injury Assessment Board, shows an increase of 11% in road traffic accidents on days when there is a national snow and ice warning. During normal weather conditions, they note 42 motor liability accidents per day; when a national snow and ice warning is in effect, they recorded 47 Motor Liability accidents per day.

As well as a greater number of personal injury accidents, the PIAB research shows that adverse weather leads to higher average compensation award values, suggesting that individuals sustain injuries of greater severity.

Road traffic accident solicitor Maria Lakes of Tracey Solicitors, echoes the findings, saying she deals with more people involved in road accidents in the colder and darker winter months.

“In 2023 almost 700 people contacted us about road traffic accidents. And while it’s something we deal with year round, we certainly see an increase in the number of people involved in road accidents in the winter months. Poor visibility is a significant factor in accidents. And certainly ice is a cause of many of the accidents we see throughout the winter months,” explains Lakes.

“While some of the accidents we deal with are as a result of human error, there are a large number that could have been prevented by taking simple safety precautions before driving,” says Lakes. “Many of us overlook the basics, but these really can be life saving when driving conditions are less than ideal.

Tips for getting your vehicle winter-ready

• Lights – Ensure all your indicators and headlamps are clean and working.
• Liquids – Check your water reservoir is up to the maximum mark and consider mixin anti-freeze.
• Oil – Check your dipstick and top up the oil if necessary.
• Electrics – Check your dashboard before and after starting the engine.
• Windscreen Wipers – You should clean them regularly and replace every 12 months.
• Tyres – Check your tyre treads and pressure, including the spare.
• Safety Assist – Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and find out if it has any safety assist technology.

Pedestrians

• Always use pedestrian crossings and footpaths where available.
• If no footpath is available, walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic.
• Wear bright or high visibility clothing.

Cyclists

• Always have a working front and rear light on your bike.
• Always wear a helmet.
• Take care in very windy or icy conditions.

Motorcyclists

• Wear protective equipment.
• Slow down and ease off the throttle in challenging conditions.
• Ensure front and rear lights are working.