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Accidents do happen, and when they do, you could be facing car repairs and injury claims, as well as possible increases in your insurance premium.

Keeping yourself and your family safe while driving in Scotland, can go a long way toward keeping your policy costs down.

There are a whole host of different scenarios that cause road accidents in Scotland, but let's take a look at the more frequent car accidents below that many drivers have reported, with suggestions on how to avoid them:

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Rear-end collisions

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Rear-end collisions are a frequent cause of car insurance claims. Whether you're the driver who collides with a car in front or the driver who gets hit from behind, these accidents can be avoided.

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Consider the following suggestions:

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• Keep a safe distance. Allow yourself enough time to come to a complete stop behind the vehicle in front of you. 

This is especially important in bad weather. If you're driving a heavier car, stay at least three seconds behind the one ahead of you. Extend your braking times when it's raining or snowing.

• Keep an eye on the road. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. 

If possible, avoid situations that will demand you to slam on your brakes suddenly. You may be rear-ended if a motorist follows too closely or isn't paying attention.

• Don't get distracted. Never look away from the road to eat, read a text message, or check your phone. If the car in front of you brakes suddenly, it only takes a split second for you to rear-end them. 

Scotland reports that in 2020, 142 people were killed due to Road Traffic Accidents.

• Don't operate a vehicle when drowsy or intoxicated. When you're sleepy or high on drugs and or alcohol, your reaction time is slower, meaning you are more likely to be involved in a car accident and make driving errors. 

The Scottish Government reported that 10% of Road Traffic Accidents that occurred in 2020, were child casualties.

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Single Vehicle Car Accident

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Collisions with fixed objects, debris, and animals, as well as rollovers and vehicle accidents, are all examples of single-vehicle losses. It's not difficult to prevent them.

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Consider the following suggestions:

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• Always remember that you are the one behind the wheel, and that can be life-threatening if you don't pay attention and maintain control. 

Keep a safe distance when behind other vehicles and vary your speed according to weather conditions, especially in winter months. 

In 2020, 1,539 people were seriously injured due to a Road Traffic Accident in Scotland.

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Reversing Collisions

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Accidents happen at any time, whether you're reversing out of a parking space or your driveway.

The easiest thing you can do to avoid an accident when reversing, is not to have to reverse in the first place.

If at all feasible, park where you won't have to reverse into traffic. For example, reverse into a parking space, that way you have a clear view of traffic coming from all directions.

Another helpful hint: invest in a vehicle with a reversing camera. If your car doesn't have one, you may add one yourself.

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Crossroads

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Crossroads are a common place for car accidents to occur. 

Distracted drivers, drunk drivers, and newly licensed teen drivers frequently fail to notice changes in traffic signals from green to yellow to red. They may also be oblivious to vehicles that come to a stop before making turns.

To prevent road accidents and auto accidents, practice defensive driving. 

After the light changes green, look out for approaching vehicles to ensure there are no vehicles coming. Keep an eye out for vehicle drivers who are rushing to cross a yellow traffic signal on a cross street. When approaching a yellow light, exercise caution rather than taking chances.

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Tips For A New Driver

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Develop a positive attitude about driving. The vast majority of car accidents are caused by poor attitudes rather than skill or knowledge. Make a decision to live a responsible driving lifestyle for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers.

Always ensure your vehicle is in good working condition by checking the following on a daily basis:

• Check the car's lights including brake lights and headlights
• Position of wing and rear view mirrors
• Brakes
• Tires

Never:

• Take your hands off the steering wheel
• Drive other vehicles, unless you are insured and covered to do so
• Knowingly run a red light

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Weather

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It is always a good idea to constantly monitor road conditions during winter months. This will help you to avoid road accidents that have occurred due to bad weather.

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Summary

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No matter what the road conditions:

• Always drive carefully
• Ensure you are paying attention to the road at all times
• Always check your blind spots
• Never drive whilst under the influence of drugs and or alcohol
• Avoid driving during the night
• Never use a mobile phone whilst driving. If you need to make a phone call or send a text message, always stop in a safe place
• If you are driving long distance, always take a break at regular intervals

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Contact Us

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In the unfortunate event that you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, speak to our team here at Nevis Beck on 0141 465 4530.

We can help you seek compensation if you have suffered a personal injury that was caused by drunk drivers, drivers high on drugs, drivers who were speeding, trucks, reckless driving, bad weather and distracted driving. 

This list is not exhaustive, so contact Nevis Beck today, to see if you can claim compensation for your injuries.