Bicycle accidents have the potential to cause severe injuries or even death. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable in these accidents, where they can experience injuries such as broken spines, internal organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Learning bicycle safety and preventative measures in Clarkesville can help cyclists lessen the likelihood of being involved in one of these accidents.
Cyclists cannot do it alone, as motor vehicle operators must also exercise best practices to keep cyclists safe. When motorists are negligent, the chance of a bike wreck increases dramatically. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, reach out to a well-versed bicycle accident attorney at Smith Hulsey Law to help you determine if someone else was responsible for your injuries and help you address possible avenues for recovery.
In 2018, Georgia created a Bicycle Safety Action Plan, also referred to as the Plan. It outlines steps that all road users can follow to make cycling safer. It goes beyond legal requirements and discusses best practices. The state created the Plan because 2005 to 2015 saw 5,834 vehicle-bicycle crashes. The vast majority of those crashes—4,482— led to injuries, and 63 of those injuries were fatal. By decreasing the likelihood of bicycle wrecks, the state hopes to reduce the likelihood of injuries and fatalities and increase the use of bicycles as a means of transportation.
The safety recommendations from the Plan led to some crucial changes impacting Georgia drivers. For example, a three-foot passing law requires motor vehicle operators to leave three feet of distance between themselves and bikes when passing. While that law is essential for those on bicycles in Clarkesville, it only works when used in conjunction with the state’s other preventative laws and safety rules.
One of the most essential safety and preventative measures a Clarkesville cyclist can do to protect themselves in the event of a bicycle accident is to wear a helmet. Helmets protect people, not only in a collision with a vehicle but also if they have a single-vehicle accident. Unfortunately, Georgia law does not require all cyclists to wear helmets.
Instead, the law only requires cyclists under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. Moreover, it is not a criminal offense for those cyclists to fail to wear a helmet. However, it could be an indication of child neglect for the parent of a child under age 16 to permit them to ride a bicycle without a helmet. Failure to wear a helmet does not mean that an injured person cannot recover in the event of an accident. Recovery will depend on the full circumstances of the accident and how the jury takes responsibility for it.
Cyclists can ride their bikes from an early age without a license. However, in Clarkesville, they are considered vehicles, and cyclists are responsible for knowing the same road rules as motorists and must take the necessary preventative and safety measures.
Cyclists are to ride on the right side of the road and use a bike lane or any other path set aside for the exclusive use of bikers. If the cyclist is making a left turn, passing a stopped vehicle, or traveling at the speed of traffic, they can use the whole lane. Cyclists can ride up to two abreast in a lane.
Bicycles can only carry as many people as there are designated seats. However, children’s seats and bike trailers can carry children. Parents can even carry infants in approved baby slings depending on the infant’s age.
Cyclists cannot use other vehicles to coast or ride on the highways. That means they cannot grab ahold of a vehicle and use it to propel themselves. However, electric bicycles are permitted, and cyclists can use them on designated bike paths.
After a bicycle collision, you may have concerns that your behavior contributed to an accident. A Smith Hulsey Law attorney could review the facts of your case and compare them to bicycle safety and preventative measures in Clarkesville. They could let you know whether you have a potential claim against the driver using that information.
You do not need to go through the claims process alone. To learn more, schedule a consultation with a diligent lawyer.
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