Cyclists, Pedestrians & Car Crashes: Not Always The Driver's Fault

With accidents between cars, pedestrians and cyclists on the rise in Colorado in recent years, many people assume that cars are almost always at fault for the crashes. Statistics compiled by the Denver Police, however, appear to contradict that notion to some extent.

264 people have been cited while riding their bicycles for disobeying traffic laws so far in 2014, according to Denver Police. Further, the statistics show a somewhat startling trend; in 44% of auto-cyclists crashes, cyclists were ticketed.

The interaction between cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists on the roadways has been cause for increasing concern in the Denver metro area and Colorado in general. In 2013, 15 fatalities occurred as a result of auto-pedestrian accidents. Seven more pedestrians have died in 2013, including 4 from hit-and-run crashes in Denver.

In response, Denver Police and Denver Public Works have teamed up to create the "Heads Up" campaign, which encourages drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to be more safe and more aware of their surroundings. The campaign, which originally launched in May 2013, has also deemed June "Heads Up" month. Vounteers will be at several intersections throughout the month, handing our cards with tips and providing passersby with safety information

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock addressed the campaign and the safety issues in a press release, saying "Denver, we must work together to create a culture that embraces all modes of transportation and encourages all users to take responsibility for their actions while walking, biking or driving. We are a growing city that is becoming more multimodal every day. It is important to remind ourselves and those around us that we all need to do our part to keep our roads and walkways safe."

Here's a list of tips that the volunteers are providing to the community:

Pedestrians

1. Look both ways before entering the roadway to cross the street
2. Use the "push to walk" buttons when available
3. Obey the walk/don't walk pedestrian signals
4. Always cross the street at an intersection
5. Don't be a distracted pedestrian. Put away your electronic devises and stay alert.
6. Don't wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing the street

Cyclists

1. Bikers and cars - same rights, same laws. Obey stop signs, traffic signals.
2. Take your place in traffic. Ride your bike on the street or on a campus brick pathway at a safe speed. Sidewalks are reserved for pedestrians
3. Always ride with traffic. Ride on the right (or left on one-ways) where drivers expect to see you.
4. Be alert and visible. Steer clear of riding with earphones and use lights and reflective gear at night.

If you are injured in a car accident, hit and run accident, or pedestrian v. car accident in the greater Denver metro area, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today at (303) 279-0221 for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!