Memphis Auto Accident Lawyer Reports Five Cyclist Deaths State Wide in 2014
Accidents involving automobiles and bicycles can happen at any time of year. A recent accident in Culleoka claimed the life of a local dentist when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle. A second cyclist who was riding with the dentist at the time of the accident was not harmed. This tragic accident marks the fifth cyclist death of the year in Tennessee. Last year, a total of eight cyclists were killed throughout the state.
Cyclists and drivers of motor vehicles are often able to share the road safely and without incident. When an automobile does collide with someone who is riding a bicycle, the crash often kills or seriously injures the cyclist because they are not enclosed in a vehicle like the driver and passengers of the car, truck, or SUV that hits them.
The best way to decrease the amount of cyclist deaths is for cyclists and drivers to learn about things that they can do to avoid motor vehicle-cyclist crashes and implement the things that they have learned as they drive and ride along the road. When cyclists wear bright clothing and use front and rear lights on their bicycles, they decrease the risk of a collision because it is easier for drivers to see them. Cyclists who use a rear view mirror are able to have an increased awareness of where vehicles are on the road around them. Wearing a bicycle helmet is another way that cyclists can stay as safe as possible when riding on the road, because even though a helmet will not prevent injury to any part of the body that it does not cover, it does decrease the severity of a head injury in the event that a cyclist falls off of their bike or is knocked off of their bike in a collision.
Both drivers and cyclists must avoid becoming distracted while driving or riding, because distractions are a major cause of automobile accidents of all types, not just those involving vehicles and bicycles. Obeying the posted speed limits decreases the likelihood of a crash because drivers can see their surroundings better when they are driving slower, and they have more time to respond to the presence of cyclists, pedestrians, animals, or anything else in or near the roadway.
By following the above recommendations, both drivers and cyclists can decrease the risk of a collision. Additionally, communities can promote safe cycling by creating more bike paths, as well as improving roads so as to better support road sharing between cyclists and drivers. There are also technologies that are being developed which could, if they come into widespread use, reduce the number of automobile-bicycle crashes by notifying drivers when cyclists are nearby.
The Memphis auto accident lawyers at Bailey & Greer, PLLC understand how devastating losing someone that you love or being seriously injured in a bicycle-motor vehicle crash can be. Please call us today, at 901-680-9777 to speak with us about your case.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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