Utah Becomes the Next State to Consider the Idaho Stop

Joining Colorado, Delaware, and a number of other states, Utah legislation has become the next state to consider passing the “Utah Yield” law for cyclists. While called a different name, there is no doubt that the Utah Yield follows the same rules as the Idaho Stop, something that has been in place for cyclists in Idaho since 1982.

Under the proposed law, Utah cyclists would be able to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. Right now House Bill 58 sits in front of Utah legislature, but many cyclists are rooting for it. They argue that traffic laws throughout the United States were created specifically for motor vehicles, and while it makes them safer, it is not as safe for cyclists.

In support of the bill, many lobbying for it have presented facts that most cyclists end up breaking traffic laws anyway when they put their safety before the law because intersections are by far and wide the most dangerous spots for cyclists.

While there are no discernible groups lobbying against making the “Utah Yield” into a law for cyclists, it is still up in the air as to whether their bill will pass. While there is a huge cycling community in Utah, many lawmakers are still stuck in the past when it comes to their attitude on traffic laws. They’ve been presented the statistics on how the Idaho Stop has made cyclists safer in other states, but whether they will consider them is still to be determined.

Until laws are made and action is taken, any cyclist that gets on the road is in some peril, and they shouldn’t be. If you have been in an accident while on your bicycle, then you need an advocate who you can trust that is in your corner. If you have been in an accident and need representation, contact us today.

How to Stay Safe When On Your Bike

Riding a bicycle can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get exercise.  When riding a bike, it is important that you follow the proper precautions to ensure you remain safe.  There are several bike safety tips that should be followed to ensure you remain safe while on the road.

Go with Traffic

One of the main tips that you need to follow when riding your bike is to go with the traffic patterns as much as possible.  When you are riding your bike, you need to ride on the same side of the road as traffic.  You also need to properly follow all street lights, signs, and other local regulations.  Furthermore, you should avoid crossing streets when it is not allowed and weaving between traffic.

Alertness

When you are riding your bike, you also need to make sure that you stay as alert as possible. While you may want to listen to music or zone out when on your bike, you need to continue to stay focused whenever you are biking. This will allow you to recognize a potential hazard and avoid an accident.

Stay Visible

When on your bike, you also need to try and make yourself as visible as possible.  Some great ways to do this is to stay in designated biking areas, avoid being hidden behind trucks and big cars, and making the appropriate hand signals and gestures when necessary.  You could also try and make eye contact with nearby drivers to ensure that they are aware of your presence.  When biking at night, you should make sure your bike as proper lights and reflectors and that you are wearing brighter clothes.

While you can be as safe as possible when riding a bicycle, you still may find yourself in an accident at some point.  If you are involved in an accident while riding your bike, you should contact us immediately. We can help to ensure your rights are properly represented.

Seven Things to Do if You are Involved in a Bicycle Accident

Bicycle riders are particularly vulnerable when they are riding in areas with automobiles.  While automobile drivers are protected by a metal cage wrapped in steel, bicyclists are completely vulnerable should they collide with a car or truck.  Most riders are careful and watchful around motor vehicles, but bicycle/automobile accidents are still too common.

In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 800 bicyclists died in a motor vehicle crash in 2015, a 12% increase over the previous year, and 45,000 received injuries in a motor vehicle crash.

With numbers like these, it is important to know what to do if you become involved in a car or truck accident when on your bicycle. Here are seven steps to keep in mind.

1. Get Out of the Street

If you are not too badly injured, get out of the street as fast as you can.  Accidents happen quickly, and oncoming traffic might not see you on the ground. You do not want another vehicle to strike you.  Check your body to for cuts and lacerations, even broken bones.

2. Call 911

Call the police and tell them that you are a bicyclist and have been injured in a motor vehicle accident. Request medical attention.

3. Get the Driver’s Information

Ask the motor vehicle driver for his name, address, and insurance information. Do not discuss the accident.  Do not admit any kind of quilt.  Do not minimize your injuries. This can work against you if you should end up in court.

4. Gather Witness Information

Get the name, phone number and address of witnesses. If you are not feeling well enough to do this, then ask someone nearby to do it for you. Do not, however, discuss the accident with witnesses.

5. Take Accident Photos

Use your smartphone to document the accident. These pictures will come in handy if you go to court.

6. Talk to the Police

When the police arrive, tell them what happened. Be honest. Most states have laws regulating the right of way, distances between bicyclists and motor vehicles and more. Explain to the police why you are not at fault and request that the car or truck driver receive a ticket.

7. Talk to a Lawyer

You might decide to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. Before doing so, talk to a skilled bicycle accident attorney.  The insurance company is not your friend and will do what it can to mitigate your claim.

If you are a bicyclist who has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, then please contact us. Our team is standing by ready to assist.

 

Bicycle Safety: Don’t Let Recent Improvements Go Up in Smoke

The League of American Bicyclists released their annual report and we were not surprised to see California rank 3rd. Our state has come a long way since 2014 when it ranked 9th in bicycle friendliness. What makes a pedal friendly? Why attention to bicycle safety of course! And although our state’s bicycle safety record may not be perfect, people are continually looking for ways to improve.

Cities Get Serious

Let’s take San Francisco for instance. They started out the new year by placing Vision Zero front and center. It’s the city’s way to help protect cyclists from a myriad of accidents, including collisions with motor vehicles. And the City by the Bay isn’t the only one in our state taking bicycle safety seriously. If you check out this year’s report card, you’ll see that all over, people are working exceptionally hard to reduce the state’s fatality rate.

Laws Need to Catch Up

Of course, one bicycle accident is too many in our book. So at the Law Office of Gary Brustin, we believe that California’s bicycle safety measures could stand continued revision. Not surprisingly, two areas that we’re particularly interested in are legislation and enforcement. Currently, there are not enough laws in place to protect cyclists from motor vehicles, especially when it comes to distracted drivers.

Bicycle Safety Going Up in Smoke?

Ask anyone in the insurance industry or just take a look at the headlines and you’ll see that our state logs in far too many car accidents each year. And yes, many of them are eventually traced back to a lack of driver focus. Unfortunately, California law hasn’t kept up with the times. As such, it doesn’t specifically address all forms of distraction and this could become exceptionally problematic now that the Adult Use of Marijuana Act is in full effect.

To learn more about what California can do, moving forward, to improve bicycle safety as it relates to legislation and enforcement, please contact the Law Office of Gary Brustin today.