Arizona was ranked the ninth highest state for bicyclist fatalities in 2010 according to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Factors that contributed to these deathly bicycle accidents included severe head trauma to riders that were not wearing helmets, impaired riding abilities from being under the influence of alcohol and distracted drivers and riders failing to yield properly or pay attention to their surroundings.
Road Safety Rules for Cyclists and Motorists
Cyclist and motorist are both responsible for following basic road safety traffic rules. Avoidable accidents between motorist and cyclist generally occur when both or either one of them do not follow these road rules.Bicycle Road Safety Rules
- Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic
- Use proper hand signals to let motorists know what you intend to do
- Wear bright colors
- Make sure you have a red rear reflector that is visible up to 300 feet at night and a white headlight that is visible from at least 500 feet
- Use caution when changing lanes and ride defensively
- Protect your head
Motorist Road Rules
- Be watchful for children on bicycles or in the streets
- Look both ways before making turns to double check that a cyclist is not in your blind spot
- Don’t scare a cyclist by using your horn to get their attention
- Make sure to give a cyclist room when you pass them
- Drive cautiously and defensively keeping an eye out for possible dangers
National Bicycle Accident Statistics
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety researched data from multiple insurance providers and learned the following:
- Helmet use has been estimated to reduce head injury risk by 85 percent.
- Bicyclist deaths in 2010 peaked during the warm weather months of July, August, and September at 12%.
- 89% of bicycle deaths involve riders 16 years or older.
- 23% of bicyclists age 16 and older killed in 2010 had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08 percent.
24 /7 Bicycle Lawyers
Accidents don’t happen Monday – Friday between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The bicycle accident lawyers of Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys have a 24 / 7 customer service line to address any of your questions.If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident that resulted in an injury or tragically a death, schedule a free initial consultation with a bicycle lawyer. We will fight hard to get you the monetary compensation you deserve for medical expenses or funeral expense. You do not pay any fees, unless we win your case. Call (602) 977-1900 or fill out the online case evaluation form today.