This spring has brought us some notable hit and run bicycle accidents. The first, occurring on 122 in Bedford County, Virginia killed Sean McQuaid. The second, occurring on Franklin Road in Roanoke City also killed another man, Earl Wright. Sadly, another hit and run accident occurred on June 4 near Lexington, VA seriously injuring an experienced cyclist, Wes Wilmer.
A recent report written by Dan Casey and published in the Roanoke Times on June 23, 2014 explains details of the rear end collision between automobile driver, Ashley Paige Baker and cyclist, Wes Wilmer. While no one is certain of the reason why Baker struck Wilmer on Route 11 in Lexington, VA that day, Mr. Wilmer believes that it is likely Ms. Baker was distracted.
Riding a bicycle safely in the age of drunken drivers, texting drivers, emotionally compromised drivers, and drivers with other impairments may seem like an unattainable goal.
But, never fear, there are strategies a cyclist can use to minimize risks.
1) Bicyclists should use a rear flashing light and a headlamp when riding at dawn, dusk, or at night.
2)Wearing bright colors and reflective triangles will make you more visible to drivers. When you hear a vehicle approaching, be sure to straighten up, so that your reflective gear will be even more visible.
3)Choose wide streets.
4)Choose slow streets.
5)Get a mirror and use it.
6)Don’t hug the curb. Having a few feet between you and the curb will allow you to move to the curb if a car is too close to you when passing.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Roanoke, Lexington, Smith Mountain Lake, Radford, Pulaski, Blacksburg, Abingdon, VA or anywhere in Virginia and West Virginia, call Paul Thomson of The Thomson Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.
