Do you ride your bicycle for work or recreation? During the summer months, you should be more careful than ever when around traffic, especially in August. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), August sees a considerable increase in fatal bicycle accidents nationwide each year.
Based on NSC data from 2022 (the most recent year of completed data):
- August 2022 had 156 bicycle-related deaths, the most that year.
- October 2022 had 144 bicycle-related deaths, the second-most that year.
- Across all 12 months of 2022, 1,360 bicyclist deaths occurred.
- The total number of bicyclist deaths in 2022 increased 13% from 2021.
- 928 bicyclist deaths occurred in crashes with motor vehicles.
- 87% of bicyclist deaths were suffered by male bicyclists.
- Children aged 10 to 14 were the most likely to suffer nonfatal injuries in bicycle accidents.
- Bicyclists aged 60 to 64 were the most likely to suffer fatal injuries in bicycle accidents.
Bicycle Safety Tips for August
To stay safer while riding your bicycle in August, no matter where you live, try to remember these safety tips:
- Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect your head in case of a fall or collision. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of serious head injury. This safety tip is not specific to August, but it bears repeating no matter the time of year.
- Use lights and reflectors: Although the days are longer in the summer, you should still equip your bike with front and rear lights, and wear reflective clothing or accessories to increase visibility, especially during early morning and evening rides when visibility is lower.
- Follow traffic laws: Bicyclists should follow the same traffic laws as motorists. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, riding in the same direction as traffic, and using hand signals to indicate turns.
- Stay alert: Constantly be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for obstacles like potholes, debris, and vehicles entering or exiting driveways. Avoid using headphones or any device that can distract you.
- Use bike lanes when possible: Whenever possible, use bike lanes or paths. If bike lanes are not available, ride as far to the right as is safely possible but avoid riding too close to parked cars to prevent dooring accidents.
- Stay hydrated: August can be particularly hot in certain parts of the country, so it’s essential to stay hydrated while you ride your bike. Carry water with you and take regular breaks to drink and rest. Never push yourself during extreme heat.
- Dress appropriately: When choosing your clothing for your bike ride, consider the weather. Lightweight and moisture-wicking fabrics are best for hot August days.
- Plan your route: Due to the longer daylight hours, some municipal or state-level transportation departments plan more road construction during the summer. Before you ride your bicycle, check to make sure your route is clear of any construction that could be a danger.
After a Bicycle Accident, Talk to a Lawyer
Even when you ride your bicycle as safely as possible, you could still be caught in an accident caused by a reckless driver. If this ever happens to you or a loved one, you should talk to a bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
In Texas, people and legal professionals alike trust the trial attorneys of Hilliard Law with complex and highly contested cases, including bicycle accident claims and lawsuits. Do not hesitate to reach out to our award-winning team if you’re ever in a bicycle accident in Texas. You can call (361) 882-1612 or submit an online contact form at any time.