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Put the Brakes On Bike Fatalities
Bicycle safety is easy: Wear a helmet and obey the rules of the road.
Bicyclists were out this Holiday weekend enjoying a spin into autumn. Bike riding is one of the healthiest of pursuits -- when wearing a helmet.
According to AAA, every day an average of 140 bicyclists are injured or killed in traffic accidents. This year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is partnering with AAA to remind parents and caregivers to set positive examples to encourage kids and teens to ride safely through their “Roll Model” campaign.
“When worn properly, helmets are up to 85 percent effective in protecting the head and brain in the event of a crash. With helmet use among bicyclists between twenty to twenty-five percent, we have an opportunity to reduce injuries and deaths by encouraging more riders to do the same,” said Cathleen Lewis, Director of Public Affairs for the Florham Park-based AAA New Jersey Automobile Club. “Children look to parents for guidance.” That means you need to wear a helmet – not just your kid.
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AAA and NHTSA recommend these four easy steps to keep bicyclists of all ages safe:
Wear a properly-fitted bicycle helmet, every time, no excuses. And wear your helmet properly – level on your head, low on your forehead, no more than two finger widths above your eyebrow.
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Always follow the rules of the road. Bicycles are considered vehicles and must abide by the same traffic laws as motorists. Signal your intentions when turning or passing. Ride in the same direction as traffic, keeping to the right.
Make yourself visible by wearing bright colors during daylight hours and reflective materials on clothing and equipment during low-light conditions. Parents should discourage children from riding at night.
Drive respectfully and share the road. Distracted drivers are deadly for bicyclists. Focus exclusively on the road when driving.
“When it comes to bicycling, safety is always the top priority," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Because parents and caregivers are role models for children, it is especially critical they teach by example. That means wearing proper helmets and observing all the rules of the road.”
For more information on bicycle safety, visit SharetheRoad.AAA.com and NHTSA.gov/Bicycles.
