A bicyclist was struck by the mirror of a tow truck last week along U.S. 6 near Spottsville, KY.
A young woman was walking her bicycle partially on the road when a man, who was driving east on U.S. 7, attempted to avoid striking the woman, but his truck’s mirror struck her and knocked her to the ground. The woman was admitted to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.
Last month, a Danville woman was injured after being struck while on her bicycle at the intersection of the South Danville Bypass and North Stewarts Lane. Also, earlier last month, a vehicle on Dixie Highway hit a man riding a bicycle. The bicyclist was seriously injured and taken to University of Louisville Hospital. Due to the incident, Dixie Highway was shut down for about two hours.
Statistics
- Bicycle deaths increased by 12.2 percent in 2015, which is the highest level since 1995.
- In 2015, approximately 45,000 people were injured in cycling accidents.
- The 10 most dangerous states for cyclists are Florida, Louisiana, Oregon, Arizona, South Carolina, New Hampshire, California, New York, Alaska, and North Carolina.
- In 2014, 726 people died in bicycle/motor vehicle crashes, which amount to two people dying every day of the year in the U.S.
- 2013 gained the highest number of fatalities since 2006. During this year, 749 people lost their lives.
Safety of Bicyclists in Kentucky
Whether it’s for recreation or transportation, bicyclists can be found on any Kentucky roads. This means that our roads are not only for cars, trucks, or vans, but also to bicycles. We share the road and what comes with this is our responsibility of making our roads safe for everyone, regardless if you are a motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian.
In Kentucky, there are certain laws implemented to ensure bicycle safety on the road. These include Roadway Positioning (KRS 189.300), Turning and Right of Way at Intersections (KRS 189.330), Signaling Your Turns (KRS 189.380), and Prohibition Against Driving Under the Influence (KRS 189.520). These laws are mere pieces of words and instructions if we don’t adhere to them.
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I am irked by the fact that there are still many cyclists being injured and killed because of negligence and disobedience. This isn’t the first time I’ve said this, nor it will be the last, but I would like to remind Kentucky motorists and cyclists that there’s no competition on the road. The road is for both drivers and bicyclists. We should safely share the road in knowing that all of us have our own destinations and we want to get there safe and sound.