Bicycle Safety Tips Provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation – What You Should Know
Sharing the road enables both motorists and cyclists to get from point A to B as safely as possible. There are rules and regulations that apply to both cyclists and motorists, however, many of them are not aware of additional safety tips that are recommended by the Georgia Department of Transportation. For example, while it is not illegal for cyclists to take certain actions (such as failing to wear a helmet), it is still a good idea for them to follow safety tips to help both themselves and fellow motorists on the roadways. The overall goal of practicing smart safety tips is to help every Georgia resident get where he or she needs to go without being involved in an unnecessary accident.
Tips for Learning to Share the Road
There are a variety of ways in which both motorists and cyclists can share the road and provide room for one another. Such tips include the following:
- It goes without saying that all cyclists should wear helmets, even though this is not required under Georgia law;
- Cyclists should be as visible as possible, wearing bright or reflective clothing so that everyone on the road can see them;
- Cyclists should always ride with the flow of traffic and never against traffic;
- Cyclists should slow down when approaching a yellow light, and stop at a red light as any other motorist would do;
- Motorists should always be on the lookout for cyclists, especially when visibility is low;
- Cyclists should use a rearview mirror if at all possible;
- Cyclists should use hand signals and eye contact to ensure other motorists and cyclists can see them;
- Cyclists should pull over completely to the side of the road if they need to stop for any reason. Neither cyclists nor motorists should ever stop directly on the road, unless something happens beyond their control that prevents them from pulling over to the side;
- Cyclists should use lights at night and in low visibility conditions, such as fog;
- Drivers should pass slower cyclists on the left, just as a faster motorist should pass a slower vehicle on the left; and
- Motorists should be patient and understand that cyclists do not have the ability to move as quickly as motor vehicles.
These tips may seem like common sense, but it is always important to remind cyclists and motorists alike that it is imperative everyone feel safe on the road. The Georgia Department of Transportation provides additional tips for cyclists and motorists to follow, so we urge you to Department of Transportation’s website.
Put Our Law Firm’s Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!
If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Georgia have been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast for over 39 years.
No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source: http://www.dot.ga.gov/drivesmart/travel/Documents/English-fullversion.pdf
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333
