Brake Road Safety Week 2025

Safe Vehicles Save Lives - Protecting Cyclists and Preventing Tragedies

As a personal injury solicitor, I’ve seen the consequences of road traffic collisions that could have been prevented with something as simple as regular brake maintenance.

Whether it’s a car, van, or bicycle, brake safety isn’t just a mechanical issue, it’s a moral responsibility. Cyclists are amongst the most vulnerable road users. They have no protective shell and usually share limited space on the roads with heavy vehicles and fast-moving traffic.

Many people assume serious road collisions happen because of speeding, distraction, or poor weather. While those factors certainly play a role, vehicle defects, especially faulty brakes, are often overlooked.

When a vehicle’s brakes aren’t functioning properly, it doesn’t just put the driver at risk, it puts every cyclist, pedestrian, and motorcyclist nearby in danger. Brake failure or poor stopping distances are common factors in:

• Rear end collisions involving cyclists stopped at junctions
• Overtaking incidents where space and speed is misjudged
• Accidents in built up areas where poor maintenance combines with low visibility

A Shared Responsibility

“Safe Vehicles Save Lives” is more than a slogan, it’s a reminder that every road user has a role to play. It’s easy to underestimate how powerful these small actions can be. Every time you ensure your brakes are safe, you protect yourself and everyone else around you.

I’ve worked in personal injury law since 2009, representing clients whose lives have been affected as a result of road traffic collisions. I’m also an active member of a triathlon club with a strong passion for cycling, community engagement, and charity work so road safety isn’t just a professional concern for me, it’s extremely important to me personally.

Let’s make brake safety part of everyday road awareness and help ensure that everyone on the road is safe.