Bicycle Safety rules for the road
It was nice to see a Personal Injury lawyer make the news in a positive story about running and safety. Personal Injury Attorney, Eric Turkewitz, is training for a marathon and was interviewed about his opinion on safety and running at dusk. Great article.
After reading Eric's blog New York Personal Injury Lawyer, it made me wonder about accidents and bicyclists. In Florida we have great weather, but are really not the most bike friendly place. I was surprised to find that Florida leads the nation in bicycle fatalities, according to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration. In 2005, Florida had 124 bicycle fatalities, California 124, New York 47, Texas 46 and rounding out the top five was North Carolina with 36 bicycle fatalities. The total number of bicycle fatalities were 784 for 2005. Although the numbers seem high, they account for only two percent of the total traffic fatalities for 2005, which were 43,443 fatalities.
The NHSTA has a brochure called seven smart routes to bicycle safety. The seven rules are important and worth mentioning. Seven great tips on bicycle safety:
Protect Your Head. Wear a Helmet.
Assure Bicycle Readiness. Ensure Proper Size and Function of Bicycle.
Ride Wisely. Learn and Follow the Rules of the Road.
Be Predictable. Act Like a Driver of a Vehicle.
Be Visible. See and Be Seen at All Times.
“Drive” with Care. Share the Road.
Stay Focused. Stay Alert.
Unfortunately, our firm has represented it's share of bicycle accidents over the years. It is always sad when the bicycle accident involves a child or death.
When you are bicycling try and remember safety first, despite the joy and excitement that riding brings. “Drive” with Care. Share the Road.
