Hawaii news reports that a 49-year-old man has died in an Oahu bicycling accident. According to an initial investigation, a 33-year-old woman was driving a pick-up truck and was approaching the intersection of Ulune Street and Aiea Heights Drive. The bicyclist was making a turn when the car struck him. He was hospitalized in critical condition, and later succumbed to his injuries.
Due to the high incidence of Hawaii pedestrian and bicycle accidents, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HIDOT), has set forth several common sense safety tips to help prevent serious injuries from occurring.
These include:
- Make sure to wear a helmet. Even minor falls can cause serious head injuries.
- Follow the rules of the road, including traffic lights and stop signs.
- Avoid distracted biking. This includes not using your phone or wearing headphones. You need to be able to hear and react to the traffic around you.
- Don’t make sudden or unexpected moves – people operating motor vehicles may not be able to react quickly and respond to your moves.
- “Be visible.” Wearing a bright helmet and light-colored clothing, as well as ensuring you have the proper reflectors on your bike helps drivers see you.
For a complete list of all safety tips, click here.
In this instance, the Hawaii police department has stated that the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and that speed, alcohol and drugs do not appear to be factors in the accident. However, an investigation into the incident continues.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident, please contact the dedicated Hawaii personal injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.