APIL’s Pedestrian Safety Campaign

We are proud to be members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, “APIL”, a non profit organisation which gives a voice to injured people. Their focus of Injury Prevention Week on 17-21 August is pedestrian safety. How many of you have crossed a road whilst using your mobile phone?

Did you know that the number of pedestrian deaths have hardly changed in the last 10 years? 72% of drivers say they have witnessed pedestrians distracted on their phones instead of watching the road. APIL are keen to reduce those numbers and their campaign helps to educate and prevent injury and death.

It’s not all about how pedestrians can do better to stay safe. Drivers can do better as well. They need to spend more time checking before pulling out or reversing, especially if they do not have a reverse camera or alarm system to warn of smaller objects and, more importantly, children. Drivers need to remember that the elderly may take longer to cross the road so keep your speed down. We see many clients injured when crossing a side road because a driver has failed to look ahead before turning.

Share what you know with your children; for example, does your child know that cars have white lights when they are reversing? It’s obvious to a driver but not to a 10 year old or someone who does not drive. Anything you can do to prevent injuries can make the difference between another normal day tomorrow and a life shattered. We advise personal injury clients whose injuries could have easily been prevented and no amount of money can properly compensate for a life changing injury or death of a loved one. Please stay safe.