By admin on November 14, 2011 -
Seattle bicycle riders are pushing for more space on the roads. As reported by Fox Spokane, a revised plan for installing cycle tracks around the city is being reviewed by officials. The tracks, or separated lanes, would offer riders additional protection and isolation, and would cost approximately $400,000 to complete. However, even if it makes it through the masses of red tape and budget sheets, a city transformation of that nature will not happen overnight. In the meantime, bicyclists should always adhere to the following safety rules provided by the Seattle Police regarding helmet use.
- Wear a helmet at all times when riding: It reduces the risk of head and brain injury by 85 percent or more. And it’s the law. If you neglect to wear a helmet in Seattle, you are subject to police citations and fines.
- Be sure your helmet meets safety standards: These standards are set forth by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC); helmets should include safety certification stickers upon purchase from retailers.
- Always keep it fastened properly: The helmet should be firmly fixed on top of the head; it should never be worn shifted to any side. If the helmet is loose or improperly fitted, it will not protect the rider. If you have questions about the proper way to wear a bicycle helmet, consult a qualified bike store, or do an online search for more instruction.
- Replace old or damaged helmets: Always purchase a new helmet after an accident, or following five years of use without any damage.
According to Seattle government data, trauma to the head is responsible for around 60 percent of bike fatalities, two thirds of hospital visits resulting from bike accidents, and one third of emergency room visits of the same nature. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Seattle that you believe was the fault of a motor vehicle driver, contact the Seattle bicycle accident attorneys with Hardwick & Pendergast P.S. at 1(888)228-3860 for a free consultation.
By admin on September 19, 2011 -
A recent bicycle crash claimed the life of a Seattle-area sandwich delivery worker, leaving friends, customers, and fellow bicyclists alike to wonder: what’s behind the rising rate of fatal bicycle accidents in Washington recently, and what can be done to stop it?
According to an article in The Seattle Times, the bicycling delivery worker was the tenth person to die in a bicycle accident in the state this year. Similar to the delivery man’s, most of the other deaths also occurred when a motor vehicle struck the bicyclist. For example, one bicyclist was struck and killed by a train, while one lost his life after accidentally riding down a flight of stairs.
Mourners have painted impromptu orange warning signs around the staircase where the fatal accident took place, and city planners in Seattle are considering other more permanent safety measures that can be put into place to help protect bicyclists from injury or death on Washington roads. On average, ten bicyclists die in Washington each year, but this year the state has already reached that average number with four months still remaining on the calendar. If more safety measures aren’t taken, bicyclists worry that 2011 could be one of the most deadly years on record for those on two wheels.
Bicycle accidents can cause serious injury or death, and they can easily result from drivers failing to pay attention to bicyclists sharing the road. If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle crash, the experienced Seattle bicycle accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. can help. Call us today at (888) 228-3860 for a free confidential case evaluation.
By admin on September 23, 2010 -
Every year an average of more than 700 bicyclists are killed and over 500,000 injured in the United States.
There are millions of cyclists on the roads – the same roads occupied by millions of motor vehicles that are larger, heavier and faster than bikes. So, while bicycling is one of the most popular ways to get around, whether for recreation, sport or transportation, defensive driving applies to people who pedal with their feet to travel, as well as to those who push the gas pedal. Read the rest »
