Car Strikes Cyclist on Houston Avenue in Macon, Georgia
MACON, GA- Wgxa.ta writes that a cyclist sustained injuries in a crash on Houston Avenue in Macon this week.*
Reports state that the incident occurred in the early evening when the victim rode his bike into the roadway. The driver who struck the victim was operating a Nissan Altima. The collision took place near Houston Avenue's intersection with Charlotte Street. The victim, a 25-year-old Macon man, sustained severe injuries in the crash. Reports indicate that the injuries are not life-threatening and that the cyclist is currently undergoing treatment. No charges are pending against the driver at this time. Images from the scene show a red sedan that suffered severe dents to its roof and a shattered windshield.
Cyclists face a number of risks on the road. When vehicles and bikes are involved in crashes, it is the cyclist who is most likely to suffer severe injuries. According to Georgia safety advocates, the safest place for a cyclist to ride is with the flow of traffic. Sometimes cyclists feel as though they are safer when they can see oncoming traffic. However, this is not the case, and drivers are more likely to be struck by a car when they are traveling against the flow of vehicle traffic. In fact, studies indicate cyclists are two if not four times more likely to be hit by a car if they are traveling against the flow of traffic.
Part of the problem with cycling against the flow of traffic is that drivers traveling on to the road which the cyclist is on will not anticipate a bike coming from the wrong direction. Georgia law dictates that anyone cycling after dark must have a light on their bike. Of course, cyclists cannot stay safe if drivers are distracted, speeding, or otherwise behaving irresponsibly. Drivers approaching a cyclist should provide plenty of room, slow down, and use caution.
Accident News is a safety and education initiative from Montlick & Associates, designed to help people better understand and thereby avoid common accident causes. To learn more about our injury prevention programs, including iridesafe.com - click here. We hope you are never in an accident, but if you or a family member are injured, call Montlick & Associates 24/7 for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or use our live chat at Montlick.com.
Sources:
https://wgxa.tv/news/local/bibb-county-deputies-on-scene-at-charlotte-street-in-macon
https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/docs/gabicyclelawenforcementguide.pdf
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety