If you or a family member have been involved in a auto-bicycle accident resulting in serious and/or catastrophic injury or even death, please contact us now to speak with an experienced attorney. Dussault & Zatir P.C. has lawyers on call at +1-800-542-4LAW to answer your personal injury questions. Because we specialize we have a great deal of experience handling such cases and have achieved big, successful and fast results. We know what you are going through and what you need. With offices in New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton, Massachusetts, as well as an office in Providence, Rhode Island, if you’ve been injured, our lawyers are here to fight for you.
Sharing the Road with Younger Bicyclists
Massachusetts and Rhode Island elementary school, junior high and high school students are on April vacation this week, so it is even more important to curb dangerous habits like distracted driving to help avoid auto-bicycle accidents. Even with proper safety gear, these young bicyclists are extremely vulnerable, so many of these accidents tend to result in serious and/or catastrophic personal injury and sometimes accidental death.
Distracted driving is the leading cause of auto-bicycle accidents in Massachusetts
- When passing a bicyclist, leave at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle.
- If you’re turning right and a bicyclist is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals.
- Watch out for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this.
- Be extra vigilant in school zones and around residential neighborhoods.
- Keep an eye out for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars.
- Always check side mirrors before opening your door.
- Never park in a bike lane.
Bicycle Safety Tips For Your Child Bicyclist
Riding a bicycle can be a fun, exhilarating experience for people of all ages, but it’s important that we emphasize to our young bicyclists that a bicycle is not a toy. Here are some bicycle safety tips to help your children stay safe and avoid auto-bicycle accidents:
- Ride in the direction of traffic – When riding on the street, always ride single file, watch for opening car doors and other hazards.
- Use hand signals when turning – Use extra care at intersections. Just because you’re using your signal doesn’t necessarily mean that the distracted drivers see you.
- Look both ways – Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder.
- Wear a bicycle helmet – This will help to avoid traumatic brain injuries in the event of a collision.
- Wear bright clothing – This is especially important after dusk.
- Wear reflective clothing – This is a must when riding after dark.
- Bicycle reflectors – Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes
- Other recommended safety accessories – A horn or bell and a rear-view mirror, as well as a bright headlight, also is recommended
Bicycle Helmets Save Lives
Head injuries like concussions, skull fractures and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have life-changing effects and are often fatal. Wearing a bicycle helmet can greatly reduce the severity of a head injury sustained in an auto-bicycle accident. It’s a great idea for anybody riding a bicycle to wear a helmet, but for younger children in MA and RI it’s the law. Massachusetts law requires any person 16 years old or younger riding a bicycle to wear a bicycle helmet, while Rhode Island requires that any person under the age of 15 wear a bicycle helmet.
D+Z: Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys In Massachusetts & Rhode Island
The Law Offices of Dussault & Zatir
*The above is not to be considered as legal advice. Every case is different and the laws which apply may differ from state to state.
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