During summer most people want to spend their time outdoors. One of the activities that sporty people like to engage in is riding bicycles. Bicycle riders ride their mountain bikes as a hobby or a means of transportation. There are a lot of benefits of riding a bike, but as well some risks involved.
The laws for bicycle safety in Atlanta for adults are not as strict. However, bicycle safety laws in Atlanta for kids are strict. As an adult, you are responsible for supervising your child. You should ensure that your child, under the age of sixteen, is not cycling without a helmet. As an adult, you can be held criminally liable if you do not ensure that your child is wearing a helmet during their bike riding experience. It is a requirement according to the bike traffic laws of Georgia.
Not adhering to the bicycling laws in the state of Georgia can have serious consequences. A biking collision when a person is not wearing a helmet could result in severe injuries and even death. There are standards set by the American National Standards Material for bicycle helmets. The headgear that is to be worn by a biker under the age of 16 is for bicycle safety. Protective headgear should either meet or exceed the set standards.
What are Atlanta Helmet Laws?
According to the official code of Georgia S40-60-296 states that no individual who is below the age of 16 should cycle or be carried as a passenger on a bicycle while on the highway bicycle path or on the sidewalk without wearing a helmet. No law in Atlanta requires an individual above the age of 16 to wear a bicycle helmet.
You cannot lend or lease a bicycle to any person under sixteen years without giving them an accompanying helmet. This will be an exception only if the child already has a helmet when they are leasing or renting the bicycle.
This rule was put in place to ensure that bike rental stations that are either leasing or renting out bicycles to children are not releasing cyclist on the road unprotected. The laws are implemented to ensure that every bicycle user has standard protective care if they happen to be in an accident.
Even though it is no bike laws that require a person above 16 to wear head protection while cycling, it is a good idea for safety purposes. The most common injuries after bicycle accidents are head traumas which can be life-threatening.
You can read a bike commuter guide to get more information on bike safety and bike friendly protective gear. Most Atlanta lawyers can give you information about bicycle helmet laws. Also, you can get help about the legal options you should consider if you were involved in a collision due to somebody else’s negligence.
Tips for Bicycle Safety in Atlanta
Atlanta is a busy city. There is lots of traffic from motor vehicles on the road. As a cyclist, you may want to consider a few tips so that you ensure that you are being safe on the road.
Keep Yourself Safe from Head Injuries
It has been reported that most people who have died from a bicycle accident were not wearing a helmet. It is vital that when you wear a helmet, you choose one that is in good condition. Wear a helmet that has not been damaged or obtained major dents as a result of a crash.
Be Always Highly Visible to Drivers
Do not depend on assumption when you are on the road. Even if you can see a car, you should not assume that the driver can see you. They may not be texting or on a phone call while driving, but most of the time, they cannot know unless you make yourself visible. You can be conspicuous by using powerful head and tail lamps and reflectors or light-colored clothing. You should do this whether it is day or night.
Obey the Traffic Signs and Rules
Cyclists are to follow the same rules as drivers when they are on the road. They are obligated to follow all traffic signs and signals. They should confirm that an intersection is safe before they enter into it.
They Should Use the Right-Hand Signals While Making Turns
After using hand signals to confirm that they are making a turn, cyclists should visually confirm that it is okay to make a turn. This is because most drivers may not see the hand signals, may not care, or will not understand what they mean.
Legal Consequences for Failing to Wear a Bicycle Helmet
An adult is not required to wear a helmet in the state of Georgia. For that reason, there are no consequences for them biking without a helmet. However, as an adult who has not ensured that their under 16 child is not cycling with a helmet, you can be charged with a misdemeanor.
According to the O.C.G.A S40-6-297, a parent of a child below the age of 16, can face a criminal charge for not equipping their child with protective gear while cycling. The state legislature finds it essential for persons responsible for children under the age of 16 to ensure that they own an approved helmet. The misdemeanor will result in heavy penalties and fines. Depending on the intensity of the accident, the consequences will be more severe.
Learn More: Motorcycle Accident Information
What to Do After a Cycling Collision
After a cycling collision, there are a few things that you should do just to make sure that everything is alright.
Check to See if Everyone Is Okay
Check on everyone on the collision scene and make sure that everyone is okay and no one has been hurt.
Inform the Authorities
Even though it appears to be a minor accident, you should alert the police about the crash. Also, a report from a crash helps improve safety on the road and may be needed by insurance companies.
Ensure You are Well
If you have obtained any injuries from the accident, you should visit a hospital and get treatment if needed. It is commendable to follow your doctor’s instructions for your own safety. Do a thorough bike equipment safety check and get repairs where necessary. If your helmet gets cracked or damaged in the process, replace it with a new one.
Suppose you have obtained injuries from the accident and need to undergo continuous treatment. In that case, you should contact a Decatur personal injury lawyer and let them review your case.