With spring and summer just around the corner, drivers in Indiana will be faced with pedestrians and bike riders in much larger numbers. Safety is crucial in this case, as what may be a minor accident to you could be devastating to these groups, no matter who was at fault. While it’s the responsibility of all who share the road to act in a safe manner, the following tips can help.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrians and bicyclists are also obligated to obey the rules of the road. For instance, bicyclists are beholden to the same rules as drivers. This entails obeying traffic laws, keeping distractions at bay, and paying attention to the actions of vehicles and other bicyclists. Additionally, bikes should not be taken on the sidewalk unless absolutely necessary. When it comes to pedestrians, crossing at crosswalks and obeying traffic lights when crossing is imperative to preserve their safety.
Many motorists express frustration when sharing the road with bicycles. However, you must remember that bikes are to be treated as any other vehicle. That means you must respect and acknowledge their presence as you would other vehicles on the road with you. This is especially important when passing. Also, be extra vigilant for bike riders when turning or changing lanes since they can be harder to see than other types of vehicles.
The same attention should be paid to pedestrians. If there is a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk and you don’t see any pedestrians from your vantage point, patiently wait for your turn. You must also yield to pedestrians when approaching a crosswalk. If you’re traveling on a street known for having a lot of foot traffic, be on the lookout for pedestrians crossing between vehicles.