Did you know that the month of May is dedicated to bicycling?  National Bike Month  celebrates the benefits of bicycling and encourages people across America to get on their bikes and ride!

B icycling is:

• Healthy
• Fun
• Good for the earth
• Less expensive than gassing up your vehicle

Having said all that, as injury attorneys we know that bicycling is not hazard free. According to the  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 846 bicyclists were killed in  traffic collisions  in 2019 (the latest statistics available). Motorists and bicyclists are often in a position where they have to share the road. To do that safely as a motorist, you should:

• Yield to a bicyclist if you would yield to a vehicle in the same situation
• Don’t underestimate the speed of a bicyclist, especially if you are making a turn in front of them
• Don’t pass bicyclists too closely and pass only when it’s safe to do so
• Always be aware of your surroundings and the fact that bicyclists may be present
• Check carefully behind and to the right of you when making a right on red or turning right into a parking lot or driveway
• Never drive distracted
• Don’t text and drive

Being alert to the presence of bicyclists is an essential part of driving. Americans are increasingly commuting by bike, riding for fun, or for exercise. Especially in the summer months, you should always be ready to share the road.

When careless motorists injure bicyclists, the consequences for the bicyclist can be catastrophic. They may face lifelong physical injury, expensive medical bills, and pain and suffering. This National Bike Month, don’t forget the importance of sharing the road safely!

If you have been involved in a pedestrian, bicycle, or motor vehicle accident that was caused by someone else’s carelessness, our experienced attorneys can help. We provide guidance and can help you decide if an injury claim is the right way to pursue maximum compensation. To learn more, please call McPhillips, Fitzgerald & Cullum in New York at 518-792-1174, or in Florida at 305-751-8556.

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