Friday, June 19, 2015

North Carolina Bike Laws: Preventing Accidents

Bicycling can be a great way to exercise, have fun, and get from place to place. Unfortunately, many bicyclers are hit by cars and are often injured or even killed. This is often a result of neglect to follow the law by one or both parties involved. However, there are a few laws in North Carolina that cyclists should be aware of and follow in order to decrease the chances of being injured in an accident.

1. Wear your helmet
Bicyclists and passengers under the age of 16 are required to wear helmets. These must be fastened securely using straps while on paths, roads, and other public passages. Although only those younger than 16 are required to wear helmets, it’s a good idea for cyclists of all ages to follow this rule and find a helmet that properly fits them in order to stay safe while riding.

2. Use a bicycle light
If you are riding your bicycle at night, you are required to have a front light that can be seen from 300 feet away and a rear reflex mirror that is visible from at least 200 feet away. These must be used from sunset to sunrise in order to alert drivers that you are there.

3. Ride on the right
Bicyclists must always ride going to same direction as traffic and stay in the right-hand lane. They are also required to stay as close as possible to the right edge of the road except for when making a left turn, passing another vehicle, riding on a one-way street, or avoiding obstructions.

Although these are some of the most important laws that bicyclists in North Carolina should follow, there are many more rules that riders should be aware of in order to avoid accidents. To learn more about the bike laws and an expert bike accident attorney in Wilmington, visit this website.

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