SHARE THE ROAD RESPONSIBLY
With the warmer weather, you’re more likely seeing more bikes and pedestrians on the road along with vehicles, so it’s also the perfect time for a reminder to look out and to share the road responsibly along with them. More Americans than ever are choosing to ride bikes and walk for health reasons, and as an alternative to driving, and because of this, pedestrian and cyclist deaths in vehicle-related crashes have increased a lot over the past 10 years.
Here are the stats:
There were 857 bicyclists killed in collisions with vehicles in 2018, which was a 6% increase from 2017. Also, in 2018, 6,283 pedestrians died in traffic crashes. A more than 3% increase over the previous year.
The number of people killed on motorcycles in 2018 was 4,985.
Including all those groups together, that’s a lot of deaths!
For drivers, sharing the road begins with the understanding that bicyclists and motorcyclists have the same rights as you. They also face unique safety challenges, such as being smaller and less visible. Look for cyclists where vehicles do not appear, like before making a left-hand turn at an intersection. Also, be aware that motorcyclists may have to downshift and weave to avoid bumps and road hazards.
Just like drivers behind the wheel, bicyclists and motorcyclists must obey road signs and traffic safety signals too. Ride defensively, assuming others cannot see you, and don’t let yourself be distracted by music, an electronic device, or anything else that takes your focus off the road. Bicyclists should always ride with traffic, use bike lanes when available and avoid riding on sidewalks when possible.
Pedestrians should also follow the rules of the road and obey road signs and traffic safety signals, which are there to protect everyone. If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from vehicles as possible. Always cross streets at crosswalks when they are available; drivers know to look for you there. If there isn’t a crosswalk, cross at a well-lit place where drivers can best see you.
So, let’s all help keep everyone safe on the road this spring and summer by keeping all of this in mind every time we are out on the roads. And remember, no one, no driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, has sole rights to the road. It’s a shared space where we all have rights and responsibilities.