May is National Bike Month! Founded in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month is the perfect time of year to get the whole family out for a fun and healthy bike ride.
National Bike Month is also an important time to focus on proper bike safety. Bicycles are a fun and environmentally friendly way to commute or exercise, but they can also present serious dangers, especially when riding in close proximity to motor vehicles.
The Facts Are:
Bicyclists face a much higher risk of sustaining crash-related injuries compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. Injuries sustained in Bicycle Accidents are an especially serious problem in North Carolina, which was named one of the 10 most dangerous states in the country for bicycle riders by one 2015 study.
Nationwide, the dangers of bicycle accidents are even greater. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute (NHTSA):
- In 2013, an estimated 48,000 cyclists were injured in crashes with motor vehicles.
- 743 cyclists were fatally injured in traffic accidents in 2013.
- Bicycle accident fatalities have increased 19% since 2010.
Ride Safe This Summer
Many of the attorneys at Henson Fuerst are avid cyclists, and we want to do our part to help raise awareness about proper bicycle safety during National Bike Month.
First and foremost, all bicyclists, regardless of age or experience, should wear a helmet every time they go for a ride. Dr. Michael Macknin, a pediatrician at the Cleveland Clinic, says that wearing a bicycle helmet can prevent 85% of head and brain injuries. Click here for helpful tips on choosing a bicycle helmet that fits correctly.
Even if you are wearing a helmet and following all the rules of the road, cyclists still face the risk of serious or even fatal injuries caused by distracted or negligent drivers. Attorney Thomas Henson Jr., founder and captain of the Henson Fuerst Cycling Team, has written several articles for Endurance magazine on the topic of bicycle safety, including how to minimize your risk of being hit by a car.
Visit the Henson Fuerst Ride Safe Bicycle Safety Page for more helpful bike safety tips and information.
If you or a loved one are injured in a bicycle accident caused by another driver, call Henson Fuerst bicycle accident lawyers at (919) 781-1107. When you call, you will speak with an experienced North Carolina Bicycle Accident attorney absolutely FREE. We will investigate every detail of your accident at no cost to you and fight hard to ensure that your rights are protected.
At Henson Fuerst, you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front, and you owe us nothing unless we recover for you.
Call Henson Fuerst, Because Your Case Matters.
