It’s 5:30 on a Friday night, it’s dark, it’s been a long week and all you want to do is get home. The traffic lights are turning red and you start to slow down when suddenly WHAM you’re shunted forward as a car goes straight into the back of you.

Sounds familiar?

Road traffic accidents are all to coming on Scotland’s roads. Poor lighting and badly maintained roads obviously play a part, but it’s the carelessness of other drivers that normally results in a crash. There’s nothing more tiresome than having to stand on the verge in the freezing cold writing down the driver’s name and address and it’s a disappointing start to anyone’s weekend.

The Scottish government is keenly aware of the number of accidents on Scottish roads; online forums and polls suggest the A82 from Glasgow to Fort William is Britain’s worst road – closely followed by the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow. However other than fulfilling its duty to maintain public roads, there is little it can do to reduce the accident rate.

But whilst officials are limited, there are many things the individual can do to reduce their risk of having a road traffic accident. From a legal perspective, complying with the recommendations of the European Enhanced Vehicle Safety Committee would guarantee a reduction in accidents involving pedestrians. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of death by up to 65%, so if you’re driving, take two minutes to check everyone – especially children – is strapped in.

Alcohol plays an obvious part in road traffic accidents and it is a puerile person who drives whilst drunk. The penalties enforced on drunk drivers are becoming ever stricter but excess alcohol is still involved in 20% of all traffic related deaths in Britain. At the risk of sounding repetitive; if you really must have that glass of wine or pint of beer, give the car keys to someone sober.

By abiding with the law and not drinking or speeding whilst driving, should you be involved in a road traffic accident, the case is more likely to be settled without any dispute about liability. Should a dispute emerge, insurance companies will usually handle the claim, although it may be necessary to seek legal advice.

So, back to that Friday night. It may seem like a chore, sticking within the speed limit and stopping at those lights, but when that crash occurs, at least you know it won’t be you taking financial responsibility.