Bicycle Safety: Tips for Sharing the Road

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Bicycle Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that an astounding 48,000 bicyclists were injured in crashes back in 2013, and almost 750 bicyclists died due to vehicle-related collisions. Bike accidents continue to be a prevalent problem on Illinois roadways and all across the nation, which is why the NHTSA encourages drivers to be aware of their influence on the road and to hold themselves accountable for their behavior behind the wheel. Doing Your Part to Help Keep Bicyclists Safe Here are some simple ways you can do your part to help keep bicyclists safe when you hit the road: 1. Treat bicyclists as you would other drivers. Did you know that by law, bicyclists are considered vehicles, too? They technically have the same exact rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. Many drivers are unaware of this simple fact. This means when you are sharing the roadway with bicyclists, you are required to yield to and extend the same driving courtesies to them as you would other motor vehicles. Use your signal, keep a safe, reasonable distance when following behind, and always watch your speed. 2. Do not drive distracted. Distracted driving is deadly no matter what, but driving distracted when surrounded by bicyclists is especially dangerous, as bicyclists have certain disadvantages, such as limited visibility and traveling at lesser speeds. Texting, talking on the phone while driving, interacting with other passengers, or fidgeting with GPS devices can all pull your attention from the road and cause you to miss bicyclists as they navigate the roadways around you. 3. Share the road. Mutual respect is key when it comes to protecting one another on the roadways. As a driver, you should always aim to share the roads with bicyclists. This means respecting their boundaries and making safety priority for you both. Bicyclists are required to follow the same traffic patterns and road rules as vehicle drivers. They must obey the same lights, signals, and road signage. Do not crowd, race around, or drive aggressively around them. Be patient, courteous, and most of all, vigilant.

Despite our best efforts as drivers, sometimes accidents happen. If you have been injured in a bike accident caused by a vehicle driver, it is important to speak with a professional Lake County bike accident attorney the moment you experience a collision. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 for a personal consultation.

Sources:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Bicycles

https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/bicycle-safety/bicycle-safety