Tag Archives: bicycle safety laws

San Diego Teen Cyclist Killed in Intersection Collision

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Dudek Law Firm

A 17-year-old San Diego boy died in tragic bicycle accident on February 15, according to sources. Francisco Sanchez Porras was riding north on 61st street in Encanto and failed to stop at a red light at an intersection around 3 p.m., according to reports from the county Medical Examiner’s Office. One vehicle traveling eastbound struck Porras, throwing him into the street, where he was hit by another vehicle driving east. Authorities pronounced Porras dead on the scene. “We are devastated,” said Xenia Sanchez, the victim’s sister. “It’s just not clicking yet. He was a kid who loved life. He loved riding his bike and always looked for the positive in any situation.” This is a tragedy that could have been prevented. Cyclists need to follow bicycle safety laws as well as normal traffic laws, just like motorists. Stop at all intersections to be safe. Never assume that drivers can see…
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Alcohol and Cycling Don’t Mix!

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Dudek Law Firm

When people think of driving under the influence, they usually associate it with driving a car or a truck. Many people do not realize that cyclists are subject to the same laws as motorists. California law [V C Section 21200.5] states that “it is unlawful for any person to ride a bicycle upon a highway under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug. Any person arrested for a violation of this section may request to have a chemical test made of the person’s blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the alcoholic or drug content of that person’s blood pursuant to Section 23612, and, if so requested, the arresting officer shall have the test performed.” People tend to think that you are less of a threat on a bicycle than operating a car if…
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Analyzing Bicycle Accident Statistics

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Dudek Law Firm

Bicycling is one of the best ways to enjoy lovely Southern California, and the combination of beaches, great weather and many bike paths make for a cyclist’s paradise. With other cyclists, motorists and pedestrians to worry about it certainly is not the safest hobby, but there are things you can do to minimize the risk. Here are some bicycle accident statistics, provided by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (released in 20210): 630 cyclists died on the roadways in 2009 in the United States—this is down from 718 in 2008. There were 1,003 fatalities in 1975. 2% of all traffic fatalities in 2009 were from bicycle accidents. 51,000 cyclists were injured in bicycle accidents in 2009, up from 43,000 in 2007. The average age of a cyclist killed in an accident is 41. The average age of a cyclist injured in an accident is 31. 93 cyclists aged 15 and under…
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