As we head into summer, more people will be out bicycling – some for exercise and recreation, while others to commute to work. Bicycling as a commuter transportation has been on the rise in cities across the U.S., and Austin is no exception. From 2000 to 2012, the number of Americans traveling to work by bicycle increased from 488,000 to nearly 800,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While there are many health benefits from bicycling, it’s not without its dangers.
With the increased number of bicyclists on the road, there has been an increase in serious and fatal bicycle accidents. In 2012, there were 726 bicyclist fatalities and 49,000 injuries, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More fatalities occur during the summer months than any other time of the year. However, many crashes can be avoided if everyone understands the rules of the road. The NHTSA outlined the top mistakes bicyclists make:
- Bicyclist rides into the street without stopping or looking for traffic. Always look left-right-left before entering a road.
- Bicyclist turns or swerves suddenly into the path of a vehicle. It’s best to ride in straight lines, looking over your shoulder for traffic. Be sure to use hand signals before changing lanes.
- Bicyclist rides through a stop sign without stopping. Follow the same rules of the road as motorists and be prepared to stop quickly at a red light.
- Bicyclist pedals in the wrong direction, traveling toward cars head-on. Always ride with the flow of traffic.
We at The Law Offices of Aaron Allison help victims of bicycle accidents recover fair compensation for their injuries. If you have been injured in a bike accident, contact us online or call (512) 474-8346. We can answer your questions and advise you of your options.
The Law Offices of Aaron Allison – Austin Injury Attorney
