The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Crash victim speaks out for Road Safety Week
Man badly injured in Perthshire collision is raising awareness for other riders
A motorcyclist seriously injured in a crash with another bike is supporting a campaign to reduce the number of riders injured on the roads.
Andrew McLeish, from Hamilton, suffered serious injuries, including multiple fractures in his left leg, after crashing on the A826 Crieff to Amulree road on May 14 2016.
As Andrew, 60, approached a sharp right-hand bend he and his pillion passenger were hit by a motorcyclist travelling in the opposite direction who had lost control of his bike.
The father of two was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee with multiple fractures of his left tibia and fibula. His left knee had been smashed and he sustained broken and cracked ribs and fractures of all the knuckles on his left hand.
Andrew was in hospital for 44 days as he received treatment.
He still has steel pins in his left hand, an external fixator on his left leg and will require a full left knee replacement.
The widower has joined his legal team at Irwin Mitchell in supporting this year’s Road Safety Week, which started on Monday and runs until Sunday.
Andrew said: “It’s been a difficult two years since my accident.
“My left leg is still a long way short of being fixed, and this greatly impacts on my independence.
“I am very reliant on my son and daughter and I am so thankful for everything they have done for me.”
During the last two years, Andrew has undergone several operations on his knee and he has been left with permanent restrictions.
In addition to his physical injuries, Andrew suffers from psychological issues and is receiving ongoing therapy.
He said: “Because I know how difficult it can be for someone in this situation, I really wanted to speak out during Road Safety Week.
“I just hope that by speaking out other road users will realise the hurt and pain suffered by those involved in collisions on the roads and will ensure they are fully concentrating when they are next on the road.”
In 2016, a total of 19,297 motorcyclists and 18,477 cyclists were either killed or injured, according to recent figures from the Department for Transport.
The rider of the other motorcycle was on a touring holiday of Scotland at the time of the accident.
He admitted liability for the accident and was charged with careless driving.
He was not prosecuted after returning to Germany.
David Bell, expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell Scotland’s Glasgow office representing Andrew, said: “The injuries Andrew suffered were through no fault of his own. He is still trying to come to terms with how his life has changed forever.
“We join Andrew in supporting Road Safety Week and urge all road users to take care at all times to reduce the number of those on two wheels being seriously injured or killed.”
It’s been a difficult two years since my accident