As a partner of a leading Scottish personal injury practice, we see a lot of rural road crashes caused by tourists unfamiliar with our country roads.
The Scottish rural economy is heavily dependent on attracting tourist visitors though, and the catastrophic effects of such collisions put a strain on how those risks can be better managed or controlled.
Rising Concern Over Rural Road Safety
It’s fair to say that a review of local press articles in Scotland paint a picture of communities in visitor hotspots growing increasingly worried about road safety as more people choose to come here on holiday and drive to our iconic sites.
Local congestion issues are one thing, but needless and unavoidable collisions are a huge and continuing challenge for local communities.
Despite yearly campaigns and targeted advice via road signs reminding tourists of UK road laws, incidents still continue to happen.
In fact, the latest available data from Transport Scotland found in 2023 that the number of serious or fatal accidents caused by driving on the wrong side of the road increased to 35. Anecdotal evidence suggests less significant collisions and near misses continue to rise year on year.
Scotland is and should remain a place that welcomes visitors with open arms, but what can be done to deal with this issue?
Practical Road Safety Initiatives In Scotland
I am aware of a couple of initiatives that are being promoted independently of the Roads Authority which may assist in tackling the issue – over and above strategically placed road signage.
Car hire companies have long tried to educate and remind drivers to keep left on the roads with the use of dashboard stickers and even display screen alerts within their hire cars. One of the leading car hire providers is also now asking foreign clients to wear a brightly coloured wristband (similar to those you have to wear at concerts) on their left hand for the duration of hire. This is a sensible initiative and would act as a continuing reminder to foreign drivers to stay left.
There have also been calls for tourists driving in the Highlands of Scotland to display a green “T” plate, akin to a learner plate that alerts other road users to the fact the driver might not be familiar with Scotland’s roads. The idea has been promoted by a Kingussie based hotelier who drew inspiration from his own self-confessed stressful experience in driving abroad.
Transport Scotland were asked about this and have confirmed that the display of green T plates would be an entirely legal, albeit voluntary, measure that could be adopted by foreign drivers in Scotland.
Again, this seems to be a practical and low-cost solution that can only assist in reducing needless serious injury and fatal collisions caused by these circumstances. There are plans, I understand, to try and get as many car hire companies as possible to adopt this initiative too.
Reducing Harm and Supporting Safer Roads
Anything that can be done to reduce the collision numbers on our roads should be embraced. My firm have dealt with the fallout and the devastating consequences for many families, where someone has been seriously injured or killed as a result of a foreign driver’s actions.
We also regularly work alongside the leading road safety charity, Brake and for the last decade, Digby Brown has supported their campaigns to reduce deaths and injuries on the road.
The Motor Accident Solicitors Society
It is essential following any road traffic accident that you use an independent, experienced solicitor. The Motor Accident Solicitors Society is a national society of solicitors who specialise in road traffic accident claims. Its Members are required to adhere to a strict service charter providing you with the peace of mind that your claim is being handled by experts. Whilst specialising in road traffic accident claims, Members can also advise on a wide range of legal disputes encountered on a daily basis.
To contact the society, visit our Contact Us Page and fill out an enquiry form. Alternatively, you can also reach us by email on enquiries@mass.org.uk or by telephone on 0117 925 9604.
‘Rural Road Crashes In Scotland‘ is a MASS original blog, written by Brian Castle – Regional Coordinator for Scotland, and Partner at Digby Brown