Arizona has the highest number of bike crashes annually. However, the state has a definite plan to change that. According to the Department of Transportation, in 2010 a record number of 1,500 bicycle riders were injured and 19 were killed in Arizona alone. Although the numbers are still very high, it was an improvement compared to 2009, when Arizona was ranked as the fourth with the highest bicycle fatality rate nationwide, with 25 cyclist deaths. ADOT is weeks away from finalizing a bike safety plan that will cost $198,000. The goal is to reduce the number of Arizona bike crashes by 12% by the year 2018.
Here are some bicycle safety tips:
- Riders must follow the same laws as motor vehicle drivers.
- Bicycles need to have rear reflectors, especially handy at night.
- Motor vehicle drivers should give the bicycle at least 3 feet of clearance.
- Riders are to stop fully when approaching a four-way stop sign.
- It is legal for bicycle riders to carry a grocery bag in one hand.
There is no definitive number yet as to how many bicyclists there are in Arizona but ADOT would like to hold a statewide count in order to decide which roads they should focus on for safety improvements. According to the 5-year study period, ADOT identified factors such as bicycles failing to yield, bicycle collisions when a car is turning right, a bicycle running counter to traffic, and accidents at night/dusk. It is important to educated drivers and bicycle riders about proper safety on the roads.
At Breyer Law Offices, P.C., our experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Mesa help injured cyclists hold negligent parties accountable for the injuries they cause. If you have been injured in an Arizona bicycle accident, call us at 480-389-2463 for a no-cost consultation.
