The roadways of Tampa Bay and the rest of Florida are dangerous for motorists and bicyclists. As a driver in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, New Port Richey, Brandon, or the rest of Tampa Bay it is always important to be aware of you surroundings and protect yourself from a car accident.
As we know and have previously talked about, bicyclists are traffic too and we need to share the roadway. Additionally, bicyclists are required to obey the same traffic laws as cars and other motor vehicles. Further, bicyclists should take additional steps to protect themselves and make themselves more visible to motor vehicle traffic.
However, the responsibility also lies on the driver of a motor vehicle to keep a look out for bicyclists. After all bicyclists are “traffic too” and we need to make sure we “share the road” with bicyclists.
Why do we bring this up again, because according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida has 8,418 bicycle v. motor vehicle crashes in 2023. 7,096 of these bicycle accidents resulted in injuries and 234 of them resulted in fatalities.
With the price of gas continuing to increase and the use of alternative vehicles, such as bicycles, on the rise we should only expect this number to increase, unless we take steps to protect our fellow motorists and ourselves. Remember to “share the road.”
If you or a loved one were injured from an accident, please contact us at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC for a free consultation. Care, Compassion, and Preparation: Florida Personal Injury Law As It Should Be.