As spring is right around the corner, more and more people are out bicycling- for exercise, recreation, commute to work or to run errands. According to an article published by The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), more and more American are traveling to work on bikes than ever before. While using your bike can offer many benefits, it can also bring the dangers associated with any vehicle.
According to the study, bicyclists accounted for 2% of all traffic fatalities and 2% of all crash related injuries. Mistakes are made by both bicyclists and drivers but when a crash happens it’s the cyclist who is likely to to injured or killed.
What can you do?
Bicyclist:
1.Be Predictable. Signal your intentions to others
2.Go with the flow of traffic. Drivers are not expecting to see bicyclists approaching them from the front
3.Be ready to always stop at driveways and intersections
4.Do not be distracted by electronics (texting, music, etc.)
5.Watch for uneven pavement, potholes, storm grates or other roadway hazards.
6.Make yourself and bike visible at all times, especially at night by wearing bright or reflective clothing
Drivers:
1.Be Predictable to others. Signal your intentions and anticipate what others may do
2.Turf off cell phones
3.Allow enough room when passing bicyclist, as you would when passing another vehicle. A single lane does not give enough room to both a vehicle and a bicyclist.
4.Stop and give assistance if you strike a bicyclist, call 911 as necessary. Driving away from any collision constitutes a hit-and-run.
