Traffic congestion has become a common sight on roads around the world. As the number of vehicles on the road continues to increase, traffic jams and gridlocks have become a daily occurrence. Unfortunately, the increase in traffic congestion has also led to a rise in motorcycle accidents. In this article, we will take a closer look at how congestion causes road traffic accidents and explore whether UK traffic is getting worse.
How Does Congestion Cause Road Traffic Accidents?
Traffic congestion can be defined as the slowdown or stoppage of traffic due to the volume of vehicles on a particular road or highway. When traffic is congested, there is an increased risk of accidents. The most common causes of accidents during congestion are:
Lane Changing
During congestion, motorists may attempt to switch lanes in an attempt to reach their destination faster. Unfortunately, this maneuver can be dangerous, especially when the driver fails to check their blind spots. A motorcyclist traveling in a driver’s blind spot may not be seen, leading to a collision.
Rear-End Collisions
During congestion, it’s not uncommon for motorists to tailgate the vehicle in front of them. This dangerous driving behavior can lead to rear-end collisions. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in these types of accidents as they may be hit from behind by a larger vehicle.
Filtering
Filtering refers to the practice of motorcyclists weaving between slow-moving or stationary vehicles to reach their destination faster. While this maneuver can save time, it can be extremely dangerous. A motorcyclist may collide with a vehicle that is changing lanes or making a turn.
Is UK Traffic Getting Worse?
Traffic congestion is a growing problem in the UK. According to recent studies, drivers in the UK spend an average of 115 hours a year stuck in traffic jams. The economic cost of congestion in the UK is estimated to be £9 billion a year.
The increase in traffic congestion in the UK has led to a rise in motorcycle accidents. In 2019, there were 16,550 motorcycle casualties reported in the UK, with 336 motorcyclists losing their lives. While these figures represent a decrease from previous years, they are still alarmingly high.
The UK government has implemented various measures to reduce traffic congestion, including investing in public transport, building new roads, and promoting cycling and walking. However, these measures have not been enough to address the problem fully.
Does Congestion Lead to Accidents?
Yes, traffic congestion can lead to accidents. Congestion can cause accidents by promoting dangerous driving behaviors and making it harder for drivers to see and react to other vehicles. During congestion, drivers and motorcyclists may engage in dangerous driving behaviors such as lane changing, tailgating, and filtering, which can result in collisions.
What are the Effects of Congestion on Traffic Accidents?
The effects of congestion on traffic accidents are significant. Congestion can lead to an increase in the number of accidents on the road. Additionally, congestion can result in more severe accidents as drivers may be traveling at higher speeds before a collision occurs. Injuries sustained in accidents during congestion can be more severe as emergency services may have a harder time accessing the scene of the accident.
Congestion can also have a significant impact on the time it takes emergency services to reach the scene of an accident. During periods of heavy congestion, emergency vehicles may be delayed in reaching their destination, putting lives at risk.
How to Make a Motorbike Accident Claim?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. To make a motorbike accident claim, you should follow these steps:
Seek Medical Attention:
The first thing you should do is seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s important to get them checked out by a medical professional.
Gather Evidence:
You should also gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This can include photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any damage sustained. You should also get the contact details of any witnesses.
Contact National Claims:
To make a claim, you should contact us at National Claims, where we work with motorcycle accident claims. We will be able to guide you through the claims process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, traffic congestion can have a significant impact on road traffic accidents. Congestion can lead to an increase in accidents, and the severity of accidents may also be worse during periods of congestion.
Additionally, congestion can make it harder for emergency services to reach the scene of an accident, which can put lives at risk. Policymakers must continue to explore new ways to reduce congestion and make roads safer for all road users. Additionally, drivers and motorcyclists must take extra precautions to avoid collisions during times of congestion.
Speak with us today to get a start on your motorbike accident claim.
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