The month of May is being commemorated as National Bicycle Safety Month, an ideal time just before the year’s peak cycling season kicks off to remind bicyclists and motorists about the bicycle accident risks facing these vulnerable users.
In 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1105 fatalities involving bicycle accidents. More than 45,000 bicyclists were injured in these accidents. In the last ten years alone, there has been a 37 percent increase in the number of bicyclist deaths in auto accidents recorded across the country.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there are 80 million bicycles in the United States. Bicyclists compete for space with motorists, creating conditions that are often most dangerous to the person riding the bicycle. Many of these accidents are preventable, and require an understanding of cyclist rights as well as the key motorist mistakes that may cost a bicyclist his safety or even his or her life.
Many bicycle accidents, for instance, are caused when motorists open car doors in the path of approaching bicyclists. These accidents can result in serious injuries to the bicyclist because she or he may not have enough time to brake or to stop in time to prevent colliding with the car door. An auto accident like this can be prevented if motorists simply look around carefully to make sure no bicyclist is approaching before opening the car door.
As a bicyclist, know that your chances of being injured are significantly higher than the occupants of a passenger car should you be involved in a collision with a car. Dress to be visible. Bright, fluorescent – colored clothing is the best attire for bicyclists. Avoid biking at night as much as possible and if this cannot be avoided, make sure that you stick reflective tape on your bicycle. Wear reflective clothing at night.
Remember, most motorists are not really thinking about bicyclists or prioritizing bicyclist safety, and are only focused on getting to their destination as quickly as possible. That means that being visible is your main defense against accidents. Always wear a good, certified bicycle helmet and follow all bicycle safety rules. Ride in the direction of traffic, and obey all stop lights and traffic signs.
The League of American Bicyclists also celebrates the month of May as National Bike Month, encouraging Americans to discover the joys of biking as well as the many health benefits of riding to work or school. Bicycling as a means of transportation needs to be encouraged to reduce congestion in the metro Atlanta region and also as a means to reduce the obesity epidemic. However, infrastructure modifications that allow bicyclists to ride safely are necessary before this can happen.
The Atlanta car accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered serious injuries in car accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident, talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages.
You may qualify for compensation that includes medical costs, lost income and other forms of compensation. Talk to a lawyer at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.