A Perthshire soldier who has seen service in Afghanistan has claimed she returned home only to come close to death on her own doorstep.
Lance Corporal Emma Fullagar completed a tour of duty in 2009 as a member of Perth-based 7 Scots Territorial Army, part of The Black Watch. But she came closest to losing her life in February as she was thrown from her motorcycle after a near-collision with a car on the A9.
The accident, at night at the Dunning/Findo Gask junction south of Perth left her on crutches with multiple injuries. She’s now keen to see every A9 junction lit at night in a bid to prevent accidents.
Interviewed in Afghanistan in August 2009, Emma (36) said she’d switched from being a driver to become a medic to ensure she could be deployed with her colleagues on the front line.FearHaving returned to her home and role as a support worker for adults with disabilities, Emma, of Aberuthven, said there’s more to fear when travelling on the A9.
“After surviving Afghanistan in 2009, I would not have thought I could have ended my life on the A9,” Emma told The Courier.
“We need to start shouting from the rooftops to get lighting along this dangerous stretch of road. The junction where I had my accident on February 23 has seen many before. The turn-off is so dangerous that, even slowing down before the junction, cars still shoot out in front of you at the last second, taking life-threatening chances.
“I believe I only survived my accident as my bike skidded on the wet surface and I went down. If I hadn’t skidded, I would have gone straight into the car, which would have caused even greater injuries and possibly even my death.”
As it is, her significant injuries included a hairline fracture in her left knee, soft tissue damage around her left lower leg, torn and pulled ligaments and tendons around her ankle and stretched tendons in her torso.
The accident has curtailed her motorcycling, while another pastime competing in half marathons for charity has also had to be put on hold. She fears such accidents will only increase over time and is keen to see the Scottish Government take action to improve safety on the road.
“With the rise of petrol, more and more people are going to turn to motorbikes to save money. Car drivers need to be more aware that we are on the road.
“When I drive my car, I always use what I call a ‘third time lucky’ rule. This means looking three times. If you have missed the biker on the first two occasions, you should see him on the third.Lights”However, I believe the most positive action that could be taken to reduce these accidents would be to introduce lights at every junction on the A9. Without this, the accident and death rate will continue to rise.”
A 41-year-old man was killed at the Findo Gask junction on October 12 following a two-vehicle collision.