According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1,000 bicyclists died and over 450,000 people suffered bicycle-related injuries in the United States in 2015.
WATCH FOR CYCLISTS
These are steps an Alaskan driver can take to reduce the likelihood of killing someone on a bike:
- Stay alert, constantly scan the roadway, including the shoulder, looking for bicyclists;
- Anticipate bicyclists just around the corner;
- Provide at least three feet of space between you and a bicyclist when passing;
- Wait until the traffic lane next to you is clear (regardless of whether it is a lane of traffic going the same way as you are going, or the opposite way) before passing a bicyclist; and
- Be patient – bicyclists are just as entitled as you are to be on the roadway.
SHARE THE ROAD
Alaskan bicyclists have all the rights (and obligations) of motorists when riding their bikes on the road. You can read the rules in Alaska Administrative Code.13 AAC 02.385, which provides all the details related to “Rules of the Road” for bicyclists. Most bicyclist rules depend on roadway conditions. For example, bicyclists should ride “as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.” Further, upon hearing a signal from a motorist traveling in the same direction, bicyclists are to give way as far to the right “as is reasonable” pursuant to 13 AAC 02.400.
Drivers of motor vehicles also have a duties. They must drive in a manner that avoids unjustifiable risks of harm. Moreover, this means the law expects motorists to exercise the standard of care a reasonable person would observe in the same situation. Evidence of a lack of due care include the following situations:
- Causing accidents;
- Forcing evasive accident to avoid an accident; or
- Compelling another motorist or bicyclist to slow or suddenly stop to avoid an accident
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE IN AN ACCIDENT
If you have been injured in a bicycle/car crash, or if you have lost a loved one in such manner, you may be entitled to compensation under Alaska law. Alaskan law holds people accountable for hurting others – when common sense could have avoided a wreck. It’s not a matter of punishment … but rather a matter of the world being a better place when people are held fully accountable for their actions. We all know if we don’t hold people accountable for hurting others, they will continue to drive irresponsibly.
Call an experienced and reputable Alaska personal injury attorney. Ask questions. Ensure the incident is fully investigated. Most attorneys will investigate a crash without charging you a dime. Alaska has some really good personal injury attorneys – honest, hard-working and straight shooting. Or, you can try the Alaska Bar’s Free lawyer referral service: 800-770-9999. If you want our help, call: 907.452.5400 (toll free: 866.452.3741) There is no charge to point you in the right direction.
