Preventing Bicycle Accidents This Summer
Cycling is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to get around in Georgia. Unfortunately, doing so also comes with its own set of risks, as riders are extremely vulnerable to injury in the event of a collision with a vehicle. These kinds of accidents occur a lot more than most people realize. In 2021, for instance, more than 40,000 cyclists were injured in collisions in the U.S. Hundreds of those accidents occurred in Georgia, where bicycle accidents are on the rise across the state. With the risk of bicycle accident-related injuries so high, it is important for both riders and motorists to take precautions to try and avoid these kinds of dangerous collisions this summer.
Georgia’s Cycling Laws
In Georgia, both cyclists and motorists are required to comply with all traffic laws, many of which specifically concern the former. For instance, all drivers must changes lanes if possible when passing a cyclist or:
- Give the rider at least three feet of room; and
- Reduce their speed by ten to 25 miles per hour.
Riders are also required to travel as near to the side of the road as possible, unless they are turning left or the road is too narrow. Cyclists are prohibited from riding more than two abreast, unless they are traveling in a bicycle path or a special event permit allows it. Riders under the age of 16 years old must wear helmets and riders over 12 years of age are prohibited from riding on sidewalks. Finally, cyclists who are traveling at night must have a white lamp installed on their bicycles that is visible for at least 300 feet, as well as a red light reflector on the back that is visible for the same distance.
Safety Tips for Drivers and Cyclists
Besides complying with all traffic laws, there are also steps that drivers can take to help avoid being the cause of a bicycle accident, including:
- Yielding to cyclists;
- Carefully checking their blindspots before merging or turning right;
- Giving cyclists plenty of room; and
- Obeying the speed limit.
Cyclists, on the other hand, are encouraged to always ride in the same direction of traffic, to check for cars backing out of driveways or turning, to keep an eye out for pedestrians, and to wear equipment that makes them more visible to others, like reflective gear. It’s also a good idea for cyclists to plan their routes ahead of time, so they can choose paths that have less traffic, slower speeds, and bike lanes.
Bicycle Accident Recovery
Unfortunately, even the most careful of cyclists could end up injured in an accident because of another road user’s carelessness. In these cases, injured cyclists can often recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but only if they can provide proof of the other party’s negligence.
Were You Injured in a Bicycle Crash?
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident in Georgia, you are likely grappling with mounting medical bills and painful treatments. You should not have to bear the burden of pursuing a legal claim on your own while dealing with these burdens. Call the dedicated Atlanta bicycle accident lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell for help.
Source:
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813484.pdf
