Bicycle Accidents: Wake County

Due to the fact people are becoming increasingly more environmentally conscious (i.e. thinking green) and because of sky rocketing gas prices, bicycling is becoming a more viable transportation alternative.  In addition to being more earth friendly that cars, trucks or motorcycles, bicycle riding is a great way of exercise and we have seen the number of bicycle riding increase tremendously over the years.  There are over 85 million bicycle riders in the U.S today.  Bicycle riding is a growing interest not only in the North Carolina area, but as the nation as a whole.  With the increasing number of riders on the roads everyday, more bicycle accidents are bound to happen.  In 2006 there were 770 bicycle riders that died on U.S. roads and 540,000 that had to visit emergency rooms for their injuries.

Bicycle riders have the right to use public roads and this right is protected by the North Carolina traffic laws.  There are safety precautions and laws that riders must abide by while riding on U.S. roads.  Bicycle riders and passengers that either weigh less than 40 pounds or are less than 40 inches in height must wear the proper protective safety helmet.  Also if you or your passenger is under the age of 16, you must wear the proper safety helmet.  Of the 770 riders that died in 2006, 95% of them were not wearing helmets.  Also deaths among bicyclists 16 years of age and older have doubled since 1975, while 16 year olds or younger have decreased by 84%.

Bicycle riders need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities when they are on the roadway and know they have the same legal status of vehicles.  Riders have many rights and some of those rights include; the right to ride in the same direction as other traffic, obey all traffic signs and signals, use hand signals to communicate intended movements, and equip their bicycle with a front lamp visible from 300 feet and a rear reflector that is visible from 200 feet when riding at night.  Not obeying by the North Carolina (NC) Department of Transportation laws accidents can happen between motor vehicles and bicycle riders that can be deathly.  A crash concerning a motor vehicle and rider should be reported to law enforcement if the crash results in death or injury, or property damage of $1000.  Safety measures are needed on the part of bicycle riders and motorists.  People should be encouraged to bike as a healthy lifestyle, but learn to act responsibly and be aware of certain information to make this activity as safely as possible.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, contact the Raleigh bicycle accident lawyers at Hardison & Associates today.

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