Motorists & Bicyclists Respecting the Road

January is almost over and if your New Year's resolution is to get more exercise, bicycling is a great way to get fresh air and enjoy the cooler winter temperatures.  Unfortunately, bicycling can be a very dangerous activity as well.  When bicyclists share the road with motorists, they put themselves at great risk – especially if the drivers are not paying attention to their surroundings.  In the state of Florida the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle and a passenger on a bicycle is considered a vehicle passenger. Bicyclists must adhere to and obey the same traffic laws as drivers of other motor vehicles. These laws include stopping for stop signs and red lights, signaling and safe lane changes, riding with the flow of traffic, using lights at night, and yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Florida had the second-highest bicycling-related fatality rate in the U.S. in 2008. Although tourism, climate, and population growth may be a contributing cause, the number of deaths have declined in the past 5 years.

A 2010 safety report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states the following interesting facts:  

• In 2009, Florida experienced 100 deaths and 4,425 injuries of bicyclists in traffic crashes.

• Forty-eight percent of bicyclists killed in a traffic crash, die in daylight.

• Saturday is the most deadly day for bicyclists with 16% of fatalities occurring on this day.

• Four-lane highways claim the lives of bicyclists more than any other roadway, at 35%.

• Florida law requires children age 16 and under to wear safety helmets while cycling.   

There is only one road shared by both bicyclists and motorists and each must  treat each other with care and respect. Strict adherence to the law is the foundation for this respect. If you’ve been the victim of a bicycle accident because of speeding, alcohol use, or a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation.  Contact attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright at 888-888-3903 right away, before speaking to any insurance companies. While they’ll do all they can to transfer the blame to you, we can help you determine the full extent of your injuries and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Visit www.gonzalezcartwright.com for additional information.