The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently observing National Bicycle Safety Month. During the Month of May, officials with the NHTSA are calling on roadway users to be “Roll Models.” During this time, the NHTSA will be promoting their bicycle safety campaign in efforts to raise awareness about the dangers facing cyclists on U.S. roadways. Bicycle riders, like motorcyclists and pedestrians, are still one of the most vulnerable roadway user groups. Although there are steps that cyclists can take to improve their personal safety, bicycle safety needs to be a top priority for motorists too.
U.S. Bicycle Crash Stats
In 2016, there were 840 cyclist deaths on U.S. roadways.
71 percent of cyclists who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016 died in crashes in urban areas.
From 2007 to 2016, the average age of cyclist killed in motor vehicle crashes increased from 40 to 46 years old.
The cyclist fatality rate per million people was 5.6 times higher for males than females in 2016.
Safely Sharing The Road With Cyclists
Safely sharing the road with cyclists and all other types of roadway users means making a full commitment to distraction-free driving. If you’re texting, you’re not looking out for cyclists or pedestrians. Collisions can happen in a matter of seconds, so you should never take your eyes or your attention away from the road. Drivers should exercise additional caution in residential areas where children may be playing or riding bicycles in the vicinity. Listed below are some ways that cyclists and motorists can be “Roll Models.”
How to be a “Roll Model”
Never ride or drive distracted.
Always expect the unexpected.
Always wear a bicycle helmet when you’re on a bicycle, and buckle up your seat belt when you’re in a vehicle.
Know the rules of the road.
Share the road.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident involving a dangerous or distracted driver in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.