Another Florida Bicycle Fatality

When an SUV traversed lanes on US 41, the driver collided with a bicyclist, killing the 41-year-old. The SUV driver fled the scene, only to be captured and arrested shortly thereafter and charged with leaving the scene of a fatality. The callousness of the attempted escape aside, one wonders what it’s going to take to keep bicyclists safe in the Sunshine State.

Bicycle Laws 

Florida laws consider bicycles to be a vehicle, and they are held to essentially the same laws as motor vehicles, meaning they must abide by traffic signals, signs and laws. However, there are some expectations specific to bicycles. Some of the most important include:

• Bicycles are allowed on sidewalks but are required to yield to pedestrians and notify audibly of approach but are required to use designated bicycle lanes when available.
• When riding on the street, bicyclists are required to travel as far to the right as is practicable.
• Passengers are not allowed on bikes unless the bike is designed for passengers.
• Motor vehicles passing bicycles must provide at least three feet of clearance.
• Helmets are required for bicyclists aged 16 and younger.
• Bicycles must have red reflectors on the back and white lights on the front when riding at night.
• Cyclists may ride two abreast only on designated bike roads and paths.

Cyclists Tips for Safety

There are a number of things bicyclists can do to improve safety and increase their chances of surviving collisions of all kinds. First and foremost, wearing a properly fitted helmet is job one. Bicycle helmets have been proven to decrease the possibility of head injuries by nearly 50 percent, and to reduce fatalities by about one-third. Other safety tips include:

• Ride a bike that fits: not too big, not too small.
• Maintain the bike so brakes, tires, and so forth function as designed.
• Be seen by wearing bright and reflective clothing.
• Assume you are not seen and proceed accordingly.
• Don’t be distracted with headphones or other items that will take your eyes or ears off the road.
• Pay attention to hazards like gravel, potholes, and so forth.
• Be particularly mindful in intersections and around driveways.

Motorists Can Avoid Disaster 

When driving a car or truck, motorists should understand how much more powerful their vehicle is compared to a bicycle and drive with that in mind. They can avoid catastrophic collisions by following the speed limit, limiting distractions, giving bicyclists plenty of room, and being particularly conscious of cyclists at intersections and when backing up or approaching driveways. Always yield to bicyclists, even when you believe they are in the wrong.

After an Accident 

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bicycle accident due to the neglect or recklessness of another driver, the dedicated Kissimmee and Orlando personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group can help. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.

Source:

winknews.com/news/collier/man-arrested-after-hit-and-run-crash-that-killed-bicyclist/article_fe7f6fc2-0335-4618-bb26-c6c7084d1a3a.html