North Carolina Bicycle Accident Risks
Riding a bike in the Tar Heel State can be extremely dangerous. A recent study on North Carolina bicycle accident numbers shows the state is ranked eighth deadliest in the nation for cyclists. In the triangle alone, Raleigh saw more than 98 collisions between bikes and cars, while Chapel Hill and Carrboro reported as many as 66 accidents within a three-year period.
What is North Carolina Doing to Improve Bicycle Safety?
So how is North Carolina addressing the issue of cycling safety? State officials say they’re continuing to implement infrastructure improvements in order to provide cyclists with safer paths to travel.
Reports from The Independent Weekly explain the state will use a $41.1 million grant to construct 27 miles of marked bike paths along the streets of our Capitol. This will include bike lanes along Hillsborough Street between the campus of NC State and the Capitol Building Downtown.
Still others claim North Carolina needs more cyclists to create a “safety in numbers” effect. That’s why many cyclists and safety proponents are in favor of creating bike-sharing programs and expanding those that are already in place.
What Can I Do to Stay Safe in the Event of a Bicycle Accident?
Until these improvements are made, cyclists remain at risk for accidents every time they ride. That’s why the North Carolina personal injury lawyers with HensonFuerst are offering safety tips to bicycle riders. They include:
- Wear a Helmet- This simple piece of safety equipment can reduce your chances of death in an accident by as much as 60 percent.
- Use Lights and Reflectors- These items will make you and your bike more visible to others on the road.
- Obey All Traffic Laws- Be sure to ride with the flow of traffic and use hand signals when turning, stopping, or changing lanes. Be sure to watch for signage and changing traffic signals as well.
- Ride Defensively- Assume motorists do not see you and ride accordingly.
