Cars and Bikes Share the Road
Bicyclists across the country take to the streets to enjoy the beautiful weather and obtain exercise. In some cities where the streets are narrow or heavy with traffic, this hobby can be dangerous. Many drivers and bicyclists do not know the proper protocol for sharing the road, which is troubling because most bicyclists are injured by being hit by cars. Understanding how to safely coexist and share the road can save lives.
Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics
In 2015, more than 800 lives were lost in crashes involving motor vehicles and bicycles. That equates to more than two people fatally injured every day across the United States. That number was a 12 percent increase in similar accidents from the year before.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration looked closely at these crashes and discovered a few important things. Nearly one-third of fatal bicycle and motor vehicle crashes happened in urban areas. Alcohol was a factor in 35 percent of these crashes. Only two states, Rhode Island and Vermont, had no bicycle and motor vehicle crash fatalities in 2014.
Share the Road
Most drivers and bicyclists know they are required to share the road, but what does that mean exactly? The following are guidelines for drivers and bicyclists to remember when approaching each other on the road.
- Bicyclists should ride on the right and always with traffic.
- When bicyclists must join traffic, they should never pass on the right, but instead go directly behind a vehicle so the driver’s signals are always visible.
- Bicyclists should always wear a sturdy, well-fitting helmet.
- Drivers and bicyclists should make eye contact. That personal connection lets each know they see the other.
- Just like drivers, bicyclists should be on the defensive, looking for opening car doors and road hazards.
- Bicyclists should also try to be as visible and bright as possible with neon and reflective clothing and gear.
- Test your brakes to ensure they are in good working condition and give yourself more space and time to break on poor road conditions.
New Brunswick Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Protect Injured Bicyclists
At The Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr, the New Brunswick car accident lawyers work diligently to obtain full and fair compensation for your injuries. This compensation can help you pay for hospitalizations, surgeries, and pain and suffering. Whether a driver pulled into your path, failed to give you the right of way, or passed too close, forcing you to lose control of your bike, they need to be held accountable for their negligence. To discuss your accident, call 732-537-8570 or contact us online. From our office in Highland Park, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in and around New Brunswick, Edison, Somerset, South River, and throughout the state.
