Page last updated: August 3, 2016
Within the last few years, Delaware has become more bicycle friendly. Many roads throughout Delaware have marked bicycle lanes and some Park & Ride facilities have bike racks available. Bicycle friendly rumble strips have been installed at some of Delaware’s beach towns. For example, bicycle friendly rumble strips have been installed just south of Dewey Beach to north of Fenwick Island.
Delaware Bicycle Accidents in 2010
Almost 150 bicycle accident crashes were reported in 2010, six more than in 2009. The majority of those accidents occurred in New Castle County, followed by Sussex (38 bicycle accidents) and Kent (27 bicycle accidents).
The number of Delaware bicycle accident deaths is relatively low (3 in 2010). However, bicycle accidents often result in very serious injuries. Head injuries are particularly common in bicycle accident situations, even if the rider was wearing a helmet. Head injuries can lead to post-concussion syndrome and long-lasting cognitive defects, including speech deficits, short and long term memory lapses, and personality changes. In addition to head injuries, bicycle riders often suffer broken bones, particularly in the legs and arms.
Delaware Bicycle Helmet Law
Helmet use is important in preventing many head impacts. Parents should be vigilant about helmet use for their children. Under Delaware law, all children under age 18 must wear a helmet while bicycling or in a trailer or child bicycle seat. The law also requires parents or guardians to put a helmet on a child.
Important Bicycle Accident Prevention Tips
Like pedestrians, many bicycle riders assume that others on the road will see them. To be safe, you should always assume that others on the road do not see you. Therefore, when riding at night or at times of decreased visibility, be vigilant. When entering an intersection, check the left, right and then check the left again before proceeding.
Here are additional bicycle accident prevention tips:
- ensure a proper fit between the rider and the bike,
- use hand signals,
- make proper turns,
- ride in the same direction as traffic,
- follow traffic signs and signals,
- use helmets,
- wear light, reflective clothing (especially at night),
- don’t drink alcohol and ride, and
- do not use headphones.
If You’ve Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Delaware
Bicycle riders who are injured in accidents may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries, as well as, compensation for lost wages and medical bills. Therefore, it is important to speak to an accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss liability and presenting evidence of damages.
More from a Delaware car accident lawyer:
- Recovering Medical Bills in a Delaware Car or Truck Accident Case
- Documenting Pain and Suffering from your Delaware Personal Injury Accident
Delaware Car Accident Lawyer with Over 30 Years of Experience
Since 1982, firm founder, Martin Knepper, has served residents of Delaware in all personal injury matters, including car accidents and truck accidents. Contact our accident lawyers today and ask for a free consultation. (302) 658.1717
Our lawyers serve residents throughout the Delaware area, including: Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Middletown, and Smyrna. We also represent residents of other states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia who are injured in car or truck accidents while in Delaware. For more information, please contact us.
*Disclaimer: Every case is unique and you should not take any action or make decisions in your case without speaking to a qualified car and truck accident lawyer in Delaware. This website page does not provide any legal advice or create any attorney-client relationship. Use of the contact form on this website or emailing one of our lawyers does not create any attorney-client relationship. In addition, confidential information should not be sent through the contact form.
