CHP Fasten Your Helmets for Bicycle Safety Month

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently issued a press release for Bicycle Safety Month. May is National Bicycle Safety Month, so CHP officials are urging bicycle riders to fasten their helmets. Wearing a helmet is the single most effective way to protect yourself in the event of a crash. While it’s not a complete preventative for all injuries, it can greatly reduce your chances of getting a head injury during a wreck.  

Throughout the Month of May, local CHP offices will be offering a variety of educational presentations and training classes to help promote bicycle safety. Additionally, they will be on the lookout for dangerous and distracted drivers who put cyclists and other roadways at risk for injury causing and potentially fatal crashes.  

California Bicycle Crash Stats  

  • In 2020, there were nearly 8,800 bicycle crashes in the State of California.  
  • Of those crashes, 90 percent of them involved an injury.  
  • 151 people were killed in bicycle crashes in California in 2020.  

CHP’s Tips for Drivers to Improve Cyclist Safety  

Officials with the CHP will also be raising awareness about how drivers can help to create a safer environment for cyclists on California roadways. They are reminding drivers to always check their blindspots when changing lanes and to proceed with caution through intersections. Additionally, they also want drivers to make sure they’re looking for cyclists and pedestrians before making turns and always looking before they open their car doors near streets or bike paths.  

Finally, they are reminding drivers about the California law that requires drivers to maintain at least three feet of distance when passing or overtaking a cyclist. If you can’t give them that much room to pass, you need to wait until it’s safe to do so.  

Bicycle Accidents in Southern California 

After any kind of bicycle accident, it’s a good idea to speak with a Personal Injury lawyer about your case. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages and other expenses associated with your injuries.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a bicycle accident caused by a dangerous or distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.