Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys Discuss Automobile and Bicycle Accidents

Drivers know that it only takes a split second of inattention to cause a collision. This principle applies to collisions with other vehicles as well as anyone or anything else that is in or near the roadway.  Undoubtedly, vehicles can collide with pedestrians, people riding bicycles, animals, or objects.

When a collision occurs between a vehicle and a person riding a bicycle, serious injury or death are likely. While a collision between an automobile and a bicycle can occur on any road, people who ride bicycles can attest to the fact that some roads accommodate simultaneous use by motor vehicles and bicycles much more safely than others.  Notwithstanding, both drivers and cyclists can take action to decrease the chances of a vehicle-bicycle collision.

Specifically, drivers and cyclists should learn the rules of the road the places where they drive and ride.  State and local laws vary, so it is important that everyone understands what the requirements are for drivers and cyclists alike.  For instance, knowing what rules to follow when you are riding your bike on the road or when you are driving and you encounter someone on a bicycle will help you know what to do, as well as what you might expect other drivers or cyclists to do.

Additionally, knowing the rules of the road provides valuable background information that drivers and cyclists can use to make decisions while they are riding and driving. However, the most important thing that drivers can do in making the roadways safer for everyone is avoid cell phone use and other distractions while driving. Obeying posted speed limits can also go a long way towards preventing collisions. Driving at an appropriate speed helps drivers to be more aware of their surroundings, and it gives them more time to respond to the presence of cyclists.

Cyclists can help drivers see them easily by wearing light or brightly colored clothing, and by using lights on their bicycles if they are riding at dawn, at dusk, or after dark. They can also increase their ability to detect and respond to the presence of nearby vehicles by using rear view mirrors, which can be mounted on a bike or on a pair of glasses. Bicycle helmets are an essential piece of safety equipment for all cyclists, and they can save lives if they fit properly and are used on every ride.

Giddens Law Firm, P.A.: Representing the Victims of Mississippi Automobile-Bicycle Accidents

When a person driving a vehicle collides with someone who is riding a bicycle, serious injury or death are likely to result. While drivers and cyclists can take steps to prevent them, automobile-bicycle accidents do, unfortunately, still occur. If you were involved in an accident involving an automobile and a bicycle, the Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys of the Giddens Law Firm, P.A. are here to help you. Please call us today at (601) 355-2022 to learn more about your legal rights and responsibilities.