Sharing the Road: Drive Safe, Bike Safe
May 10, 14
When it comes to sharing the road with bicyclists, safety is a two-way street. Bicyclists and motorists share the responsibility for keeping roadways safe for everyone on the move.
As a motorist, it is especially important to be alert around bicyclists and to expect the unexpected.
Tips for Drivers
- Slow down, especially when passing bicyclists
- Don’t honk your horn at bicyclists
- Don’t pass cyclists when oncoming traffic is near
- Don’t pass a bicyclist if you’ll be immediately turning right
- Give cyclists enough space to maneuver around obstacles
- Obey the posted speed limit
- Look before opening your door
- Allow at least three feet when passing bicyclists
While the burden of safety should be shared equally, it is often the bicyclists that exercise more caution while on the road. A bicyclist, wearing as little protection as a helmet, can suffer from severe or fatal injury after even just a minor collision with an automobile.
Tips for Bicyclists
- Don’t ride with headphones
- Always check for oncoming traffic
- Slow down when entering a new street or intersection
- Try to anticipate hazards
- Ride with the flow of traffic
- Be predictable by riding in straight lines and on the right side
- No darting in and out of parked cars
- Try not to make sudden stops
Unfortunately, many bicycle accidents occur as a result of the negligent actions of motorists. If you’re a bicyclist who has been injured in a traffic accident, it’s important to know that you have rights. Motorists can be held accountable for damages. Bicyclists who don’t understand their rights often fail to receive the financial recovery they are entitled to.
The attorneys at Janklow Law are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the utmost compensation for personal injury sustained in an auto vs. bicycle accident.
Let our finest attorneys work diligently to make certain your rights on the road are protected. Click here to fill out a free Case Evaluation Inquiry Form or call a Janklow Law attorney at 1-877-JANKLOW today to discuss your personal injury case.
