Now that school has started, remember that the number of children bicyclists has increased. On most highways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles and often share the same lane. However, Children riding bicycles create special problems for drivers because they are not nearly as capable of proper judgment as an adult when determining traffic conditions. Be alert and avoid an urgent visit to an auto shop, or more importantly, the hospital!
One main issue is that bicycles can be difficult to see among the other vehicles. Riders are more exposed and more easily injured in an accident. The most common causes of bicycle and auto collisions are drivers turning left in front of an oncoming bicycle or turning right into the path of a bicycle. Oncoming bicycle traffic is often obscured and their speed is difficult to determine.
To refresh your memory on bicycle safety laws, here's a reminder from an auto center:
- When passing a bicyclist going the same direction, do so slowly and leave at least a 3-foot clearance distance between you and the bicycle until you have safely passed.
- When a bicyclist is entering the intersection from the opposite direction and you are intending to turn left, wait for the bicyclist to pass before turning.
- If your vehicle is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making a right turn.
- Always use your turn signals.
- Watch for bicycle riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling, especially if the rider is a child.
- Be especially cautious in school zones and neighborhoods where children and teenagers might be riding. Watch out for bikes coming out of driveways or from behind parked cars or other obstructions.
- Check side mirrors for bicyclists before opening the door.
Remember: By following the safety tips above, drivers can help prevent auto accidents and accident-related injuries, possibly even saving a life!
Schedule an inspection at your auto shop to make sure all your lights and blinkers are working properly. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto center has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
want to prevent car road accident when school is about to start? Review these tips to help prevent auto accidents and accident-related injuries, possibly even saving a life!Now that school has started, remember that the number of children bicyclists has increased. On most highways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles and often share the same lane. However, Children riding bicycles create special problems for drivers because they are not nearly as capable of proper judgment as an adult when determining traffic conditions. Be alert and avoid an urgent visit to an auto shop, or more importantly, the hospital!
One main issue is that bicycles can be difficult to see among the other vehicles. Riders are more exposed and more easily injured in an accident. The most common causes of bicycle and auto collisions are drivers turning left in front of an oncoming bicycle or turning right into the path of a bicycle. Oncoming bicycle traffic is often obscured and their speed is difficult to determine.
To refresh your memory on bicycle safety laws, here's a reminder from an auto center:
- When passing a bicyclist going the same direction, do so slowly and leave at least a 3-foot clearance distance between you and the bicycle until you have safely passed.
- When a bicyclist is entering the intersection from the opposite direction and you are intending to turn left, wait for the bicyclist to pass before turning.
- If your vehicle is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before making a right turn.
- Always use your turn signals.
- Watch for bicycle riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling, especially if the rider is a child.
- Be especially cautious in school zones and neighborhoods where children and teenagers might be riding. Watch out for bikes coming out of driveways or from behind parked cars or other obstructions.
- Check side mirrors for bicyclists before opening the door.
Remember: By following the safety tips above, drivers can help prevent auto accidents and accident-related injuries, possibly even saving a life!
Schedule an inspection at your auto shop to make sure all your lights and blinkers are working properly. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go online at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto center has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
