A Florida man was recently fatally injured in a Port Charlotte bicycle accident at US 41 and Main Street. The tragedy highlights the importance of road safety for both drivers and bicyclists. In 2010, 618 cyclists were killed, accounting for two percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. An additional 52,000 were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
To prevent Port Charlotte bicycle accidents, both cyclists and drivers need to understand their responsibilities on the road. For bicyclists, it is important to remember that you are considered vehicle operators, just like others on the road. That means that you are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. When riding in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic. Drivers of motor vehicles also need to share the road with bicyclists.
Under Florida law (Florida Statute §316.130 (15)), drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with bicyclists and pedestrians. The term “due care” means the conduct that a reasonable person would exercise in a particular situation. In general, drivers should allow at least three feet clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road, look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space, and yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
The Dellutri Law Group is focused on making bad situations better and putting lives back together. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Port Charlotte accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more about your legal options, contact our experienced Port Charlotte injury attorneys for a free consultation.
