Sacramento Bicyclist Killed
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer. On the evening of December 8, 2016, there was a fatal bicycle accident at the intersection of Northgate Boulevard and Bridgeford Drive in Sacramento. The victim was identified as 47-year-old Jose Felix Ortiz Plascenia. Sadly, the man appears to have been run over several times by other vehicles, likely due to distracted driving of subsequent motorists before traffic was halted. Police are asking anyone with information for help.
Biking Trends In Sacramento
In Sacramento, and throughout California, bicycle riding is on the rise for many reasons. Whether they are taking to their bikes in order to fight climate change and protect the environment, have dreams of becoming super athletes or just want to get out of the house and enjoy riding recreationally, the number of bicycle enthusiasts is on the rise. This trend is certainly evidenced within Sacramento and the surrounding area as well, especially in academic areas and small college towns like Davis that have extensive bicycle paths and infrastructure that intersect with city streets. Unfortunately, as many of us ditch our four-wheeled counterparts in favor of our bikes, accidents are trending up as well. As with most types of accidents, as incidence increases, so too does the potential for serious injury and even death.
Biking Fatalities Are On The Rise, Causes Still Murky
Biking deaths are going to occur. What we don’t necessarily understand is why. Distractions are everywhere, whether we like it or not. With the advent of smartphones and the many functions they possess, it can be hard to pull ourselves away. Unfortunately, the one place we cannot afford to become distracted is the one place we motorists and potential bicyclists collide: the road. When on the road, drivers may fail to realize that many streets do not have a designated bike lane. When this occurs it is the responsibility of the driver to make room for the bicyclist, as per the 3-Feet for Safety Act. When motorists fail to share the road, accidents, and potentially catastrophic injuries occur.
Bike Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
As we approach the holidays and the inclement weather, remember to share the road. Visibility will be reduced on rainy days. Road surfaces will be more slippery as a result of precipitation, particularly for the first twenty or so minutes after a new rain. Bicyclists can aide motorists by wearing a helmet, purchasing and installing reflectors, and abiding by traffic laws and ordinances. Following the rules of the road means using hand signals, riding with the flow of traffic, and making sure your bicycle is road ready.
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Sacramento Bike Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorney. If you or someone you care about was injured in a bicycle accident, please call me at (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly advice. If you are calling outside of Sacramento, please call me at (800) 404-5400.
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Source of Sacramento Bicyclist Killed – CBS Local
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