After a deadly hit-and-run involving a cyclist on Monday, the Starkville Police Department is encouraging residents to be cautious and aware while on the road.
SPD Public Information Officer Brandon Lovelady said whenever someone is operating a vehicle, to stay aware of their surroundings.
He said this is not limited to texting and driving, but also means distractions like fixing one’s hair or looking for something you dropped on the floor.
“Pay attention to the road not only for cyclists, but for anything,” Lovelady said. “Don’t drive distracted.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports bicycle trips account for only one percent of all trips in the United States. However, bicyclists face a higher risk of crash-related injury and deaths than occupants in motor.
In 2015, over 1,000 bicyclists died with almost 467,000 bicycle-related injuries, according to the CDC website.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says bicyclists accounted for two percent of all traffic deaths and two percent of all crash-related injuries in 2014.
The NHTSA says bicyclist deaths occurred most often between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and in urban areas.
Lovelady said a cyclist should travel with a flow of traffic and know both hand and arm signals while traveling.
He said other ways to be safer on the road is to always wear a helmet and to wear reflective and bright clothing at all times and not just at night.
“When you’re riding a bicycle, try to avoid completely blocking out the world with things such as headphones,” Lovelady said. “Make sure you’re paying attention and make sure they see you too.”
If a resident is ever involved in an accident involving a cyclist, Lovelady said the best thing to do is to immediately check on the cyclist and to call 911, dispatch will send the right personnel to help at the scene.
“Get out and check and make sure they are okay,” Lovelady said. “That would be the first thing you do in any collision.”
Lovelady said anyone who witnesses a hit and run should look at descriptions of the vehicle or driver, behavior of the driver and a license plate if possible. He said those descriptions will be helpful with investigations. As far as driving day to day,
Lovelady said both the motorists, and cyclists need to be aware of the flow of traffic and follow all traffic laws, whether it’s a stop sign or a traffic light.
When approaching a cyclist, Lovelady said he recommends keeping the same distance between one’s car and the cyclist depending on the speed of the road. State law says to provide at least three feet of clearance when passing.
“Be patient and wait until it’s safe to pass if there isn’t room,” Lovelady said. With the recent hit-and-run on Old Highway 25, Lovelady encourages motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to be mindful of each other and to be cautious during any situation. “It’s not you get the upper hand or the vehicle gets the upper hand,” Lovelady said. “Everybody needs to share the road, everybody has to work together.”