Riding bicycles is a way of life for many in North Carolina. Hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians ride bikes on a regular basis, and estimates show that bicycle tourism brings in an estimated $14 million to the state annually.

The North Carolina bicycle accident lawyers at HensonFuerst point out that with so many cyclists in the region, there’s a high volume of injury-causing crashes as well. Data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation shows there were more than 950 collisions with cyclists in 2012, which resulted in 23 fatalities.

The ever-increasing number of North Carolina bicycle accidents has prompted state officials to launch a new program aimed at raising awareness about bicycle safety. According to WNCN, the “Watch For Me” campaign not only encourages motorists to keep an eye out for cyclists on the road, but also urges cyclists to take precautions as well. Some of the suggestions include wearing reflective gear, equipping bicycles with reflectors, and wearing a helmet.

At HensonFuerst, we know helmets can save lives, but we also know the importance of getting the right helmet. We suggest following these bike helmet safety tips to ensure proper fit and function.

Everyone should also keep in mind that the law requires motorists and cyclists alike to share the road. We hope these tips help to keep you and your loved ones safe when traveling by bike or vehicle on our state’s roadways.