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With May being National Bicycle Safety Month, the organization AAA is spreading awareness of rising cycling fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 938 bicyclists were killed in the United States in 2020 while over 38,000 were injured in crashes. Projections say that fatalities on bicycles further increased 5 percent in 2021. Bicyclist deaths typically occur between 6 and 9 PM and usually in urban areas. Males are also seven times more likely to be fatally hit compared to females. AAA representative Elizabeth Carey offers some advice for bicyclists on how to be safe.
“Cyclists should always make sure they’re wearing their bike helmet. Make sure you’re riding in the same direction as traffic goes, using all of your signals, and if you are riding at night, make sure your wearing reflective clothing.” Carey said.
In addition, among other measures drivers are advised to stay alert and avoid distractions while driving, yield to bicyclists when turning, and slow down and give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing.
