Driving Tips to Protect Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety

Many kinds of travelers share the road, and whether you’re in a car, on a bike or walking, staying safe should be your top priority. 

While everyone should use the road responsibly, auto drivers have the greatest responsibility of driving safe and paying attention to those around them. Driving safety is part of drivers’ education, which includes learning rules on pedestrian safety and bicyclist safety. To refresh your memory, take note of these tips to protect others on the road. 

As you think about driving safety, reach out to Farm Bureau to find out how you can be rewarded for your careful driving with our Driveology® program. program. 

Driving Tips for Pedestrian Safety

Tip #1: Yield to Pedestrians

Road rules, signs and markings are crucial for the safety of everyone on the road, but those intended to protect pedestrians — the most vulnerable of those sharing the road — are especially vital to notice and carefully follow.

Be a driver who practices defensive driving. Be aware of pedestrians as well as pedestrian crossing and yield signs. This is especially important when you’re traveling in a school zone or an area with heavy foot traffic, where those who are walking may not be paying close attention.

Tip #2: Slow Down

The slower you’re going, the less likely an accident will prove dangerous or deadly. Speed is a major consideration in avoiding a pedestrian and car accident. Higher vehicle speeds increase both the likelihood of a pedestrian being struck by a car as well as the severity of the injury. Speeding is considered a bad driving habit, and it’s best to stick to the speed limit at all times. Plus, it’s the law!

Tip #3: Avoid Distracted Driving

Of course, distracted driving is dangerous. When you’re behind the wheel, it’s vital that you give all of your attention to what’s happening around you and do everything you can to prevent distracted driving. In addition to your smartphone, there are other things that might distract you while driving, like a pet wandering the inside of the car or you enjoying a favorite song at top volume. 

Keep everyone safe by paying attention and remembering that you’re operating a vehicle that could cause harm to anyone walking nearby.

Tip #4: Double Check Before Turning or Backing Up

Before you switch lanes, turn at a red light or back up, check and double check your surroundings to make sure someone hasn’t walked there without you realizing it. You can save lives. Fortunately, many of today’s automobiles have car safety features that make this easier.

Driving Tips to Protect Cyclists 

Tip #1: Share the Road

Not only is sharing the road with bicycles the safe thing to do, but it’s also the law in many states. When there is no bike lane available, bicyclists typically ride alongside vehicles and are required to follow the same rules of the road as those who are driving cars. Even so, it is vital to keep an eye out for cyclists. Remember, they’re smaller than you, and they can easily slip into your vehicle’s blind spots.

Tip #2: Give Cyclists Space

You wouldn’t pass a car with inches between you. The same goes with bikes and cars. In general, the best practice when passing a cyclist is to give a minimum of 3 feet of space between the vehicle and the bicycle. Each state has its own laws regarding the amount of space required when safely passing a bicycle. Check this chart to see what the law is in your state — and then consider that to be the minimum, not a maximum.

Tip #3: Yield to Cyclists in Intersections

Let cyclists go first whenever you can. At cross streets, the safest choice is to yield to bicycles. Allowing cyclists the right of way avoids any confusion and ensures you know their location and avoid a collision.

Tip #4: Know Cyclist Hand Signals

Cyclists don’t have turn signals like cars do. They often use hand signals to indicate their intentions in much the same way vehicles use turn signals. Having familiarity with these hand symbols will help you understand what a cyclist is communicating to you about where they’re heading. Then everyone can share the road responsibly.

Does Car Insurance Cover Me if I Hit a Pedestrian or Biker?

Sometimes the unthinkable happens, and you’ll want to be prepared. Your auto liability insurance may cover the cyclist medical bills and property damage up to your policy limits. 

Coverage for personal injuries from a bike accident or pedestrian car accident may be available under an auto or umbrella plan. Check your insurance policy to determine what coverage policy limits you have.

Be Prepared

Accidents aren’t scheduled, so it’s best to always be prepared with the right coverage in place. Talk to Farm Bureau today to give you peace of mind that your policy has coverage in the event of an accident with a pedestrian or cyclist.