7/22/2008 3:17:44 AM Author: newsAuthor
Summer is just one of the many seasons individuals enjoy outdoor activities. Biking tends to be a favorite among the young and the old. And although biking is fun, many fail to realize it is not a toy, it is a vehicle according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) . In 2006, 773 bicyclists were killed and an additional 44,000 were injured in traffic crashes. Although most deaths occur as a result of bicycle and motor vehicle crashes, many do not involve motor vehicles.
Bicyclist fatalities occur more frequently in urban areas during the months of June, July and August, between the hours of 5 and 9p.m. at non-intersection locations. In 2006, more than one-fifth of all bicyclist deaths occurred among children ages 5 to 15. Yet, bicyclist fatalities among age groups 25 to 64, has risen significantly in proportion to all bicyclist deaths since 1996.
Crashes can happen anywhere — parks, bicycle paths and driveways. Hospital emergency rooms reported more bicycle-related crashes than any other sport. The most serious of injuries incurred from bicycle-related crashes are head and brain injuries. Children and adults, no matter the age, should wear a bicycle helmet when riding a bike. Bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head and brain injuries during a crash by as much as 85 to 88 percent.
The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue in collaboration with NHTSA suggest the following safety guidelines when riding a bike:
• Check for properly working parts.
• Wear properly fitted bicycle helmets to avoid head and brain injuries during a crash.
• Most crashes are due to falls.
• Be observant.
• Avoid hazards on the ground (toys, pebbles, potholes, etc.).
• Never listen to audio headphones while biking; they obstruct your ability to hear and distract your focus from traffic.
• Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators and are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators.
• Cyclists should obey traffic signs, signals and lane markings.
• Cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic, when cycling in the street.
• Use proper hand signals to let other road users know your intentions.
• Increase their visibility to drivers
• During the day, dawn or dusk wear fluorescent or bright-colored clothing.
• At night use a front light, red reflector, a flashing rear light and retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.
In the same sense, drivers of motor vehicles need to share the road with bicyclists by:
• Being courteous.
• Allowing at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road.
• Looking for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.
• Yield to cyclists at intersections, as directed by signs or as directed by signals.
• When making turns, left or right, be especially watchful for cyclists..
