Posted on Wednesday, August 16th, 2017 at 1:48 am
Early this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its Traffic Safety Facts for bicyclists and other cyclists. During 2015, there were 818 cyclists killed and 45,000 cyclists were injured in traffic-related crashes. The number of people killed in bicycle accidents increased 12.2 percent from the number of cyclists killed in 2014.
California had the second highest number of deaths in bicycle accidents for 2015. During that year, 129 cyclists lost their lives in traffic-related accidents in California. Our state was second to Florida with 150 deaths. California did not have the highest percentage of bicyclist fatalities among total fatalities in the county, but it did rank much higher than the national average of 2.3 percent. California’s rate of pedalcyclist fatalities among total traffic fatalities for 2015 was 4.1 percent.
California’s Efforts to Keep Cyclists Safe Throughout the State
The state is active in promoting bicycle safety throughout the state with various programs and initiatives. Several state agencies work together to develop a plan that integrates pedestrians and cyclists into the transportation system to make cycling and walking safer for everyone in the state.
For example, the DMV has a “Share the Road” web page that includes safety tips for motorists and bicyclists. The information proved by the DMV includes traffic rules for bicyclists and motorists. You can learn the safest way to ride in and around Sacramento by using the tips and information provided by the DMV.
“Toward an Active California” is the name of the State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. It is the first statewide plan adopted by California. One of the goals of the plan is to triple bicycling by 2020. You can view a copy of the plan on the state’s Go Active website.
What Can I Do Myself?
If you are a motorist, you need to avoid distractions so that you can focus completely on driving. You must look for pedestrians and bicyclists as you are driving so you can avoid causing a bicycle crash or pedestrian crash. Review the DMV’s rules for motorists regarding bicycles and pedestrians and follow those rules.
For bicyclists, you need to watch for motorists because they do not always watch for you. Know the rules of the road and always obey all traffic rules when you are riding. In addition, always signal when you are turning or changing lanes to give motorists additional time to avoid a collision. Even though adults may not be required to wear bicycle helmets, you should wear a helmet every time you ride. Helmets can reduce the risk of severe head injury and death in a crash.
For more bicycle safety tips, visit the Bicyclists web page for the NHTSA.
Call a Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorney
The Tiemann Law Firm can be reached by telephone at (916) 999-9000. If you are injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver or dangerous road condition, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
