Each year, August marks National Road Victim Month, established in memory of Princess Diana, who passed away on the 31st of August 1997, and Bridget Driscoll who died on the 17th August 1896 and was the first recorded victim of a motor car accident. This month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the devastating impact of road traffic accidents and calls for heightened awareness and collective efforts to improve road safety.
Globally, road traffic accident remain a prevalent cause of both fatalities and disabilities. Recent data released by the Department for Transport (DfT) indicates an alarming 8.7% rise in road deaths in 2022 compared to the previous year. Strikingly, these figures are more consistent with pre-pandemic data from 2019. The provisional 2022 data reveals a total of 1,695 road fatalities, a notable increase from 1,558 reported in 2021. There has also been a surge in cyclists seriously injured, with a staggering 500 additional reports, bringing the total to 5,602 incidents.
After being involved in a road traffic accident, many individuals may face life-changing injuries, resulting in the need for an accessible home to promote their overall well-being, independence, and a smooth transition back to their pre-accident life (where possible). This accessible living environment not only supports their recovery journey but also aids in facilitating rehabilitation and a seamless return to their familiar surroundings.
An accessible home offers improved mobility and safety, easing daily challenges for the person and their family. At PLG, we understand the significance of a supportive environment during this critical time. As we work closely with the UK’s leading personal injury and clinical negligence lawyers, we are committed to assisting all parties involved in the process. Our team excels in finding suitable accessible rental properties as an initial solution and also specialises in designing and creating fully accessible homes tailored to each client’s unique needs, or suggesting and implementing adaptations to their existing home if staying there is a feasible option.
Designing an accessible home for a client who has experienced life-changing injuries requires a collaborative effort from various professionals, each playing a vital role in ensuring the individual’s needs are met. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and case managers are instrumental in identifying the specific accessible features, equipment, and devices that can significantly improve the lives of the individual and their family. These experts carefully assess the client’s mobility and functional capabilities to determine the most suitable adaptations.
The skill and experience needed to coordinate the input of these valued professionals is not to be underestimated but the real challenge is to do so whilst ensuring that it remains a home for the client rather than a clinical building. Our team of expert architects and designers have years of experience in doing just that.
If you think our team could help you, a loved one or a client, contact us on:
0333 577 0809 / hello@plg.uk / plg.uk