The rate of bike accidents increases in the summer months, not just in New Jersey but all over the country. Bicycling is a common form of exercise and method of transportation for many during summer, but the increase in activity can lead to more accidents.
Common Causes of Summer Bicycle Accidents
Here are the four most common reasons why there are more bicycle accidents in the summer months:
1. An Increase in Bicyclists
The summer months increase the number of bicyclists. People are more likely to enjoy bicycling as a form of exercise or transportation during summer. Parents may enjoy a day bicycling with the family, or children may rely on their bicycles to travel to and from friends’ houses during their summer break.
2. An increase in Drivers
Not only are there more bicyclists out during the summer months, but there are also more drivers on the road. With schools out for the summer, there are more teen drivers. Summer is also a common time for planning vacations, which means more people are on the road en route to their summer destinations.
3. Construction Season
Summer is marked by construction season, especially in New Jersey. The occurrence of orange traffic cones and construction signs is just as much a sign of summer as the increasing temperatures. Construction season can require drivers to take detours or to get stuck in traffic stops. Drivers may be more likely to speed up to make up for a lost time.
4. More Distractions
Summer brings with it more distractions. In addition to more pedestrians, drivers are more likely to be en route to a summer vacation or BBQ. This may lead to more drivers using their smartphones or feeling overly fatigued after spending hours on the road. Distractions can lead to drivers not noticing bicyclists on the road.
These are just some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents during the summer months. The warmer weather encourages more people to ride, which has an effect on the number of accidents.
How to Ride Safely This Summer
You can enjoy a summer bike ride with these safety tips:
- Wear reflective gear: Make sure you’re seen when riding after dark with brightly colored clothing or reflective tape.
- Follow bicycle laws and rules: Following New Jersey’s bicycle laws and rules can also help you stay safe.
- Wear protective gear: Wearing a helmet and padding may not prevent an accident but can reduce your injuries if you are in one.
- Avoid distractions: Avoiding distractions, even as a bicyclist, is important. Avoid using your phone, so you can anticipate what drivers are going to do.
It’s important to be aware of your surroundings when bicycling. If your child plans to spend a lot of their summer bicycling, make sure they know the rules of the road. Enforce wearing a helmet and protective gear to protect them from falls or other accidents. If they must ride after dark, make sure drivers can easily notice them.
If you are in a bicycle accident this summer, know what steps to take to protect your rights. First, receive medical care. Then, reach out to a personal injury lawyer to consider your options.
Contact a Pleasantville Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Bicycle Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a bicycle accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represent clients injured because of a bicycle accident in Pleasantville, Hammonton, Somers Point, Ventnor City, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 601-2233 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, 1st Floor, Linwood, NJ 08221, as well as an office in Philadelphia, PA.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.