Road users like pedestrians and cyclists can take an active role in protecting their own safety by following these guidelines.
Summary
- Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists must take precautions to avoid accidents with North Dakota drivers.
- To stay safe, VRUs should wear bright or reflective clothing, avoid distractions like phones, and abstain from alcohol or drugs when on the road.
- Bicyclists and motorcyclists should wear helmets and protective clothing to reduce injury risk.
- Following traffic laws, signaling turns, using sidewalks or bike lanes, and avoiding impulsive maneuvers can help prevent accidents.
Although North Dakota drivers are responsible for yielding the right of way to more vulnerable road users like bicyclists and pedestrians, that does not mean these road users are exempt from their duty to try and avoid accidents. Following these safety tips can help vulnerable road users reduce their risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries and their potential liability in a personal injury claim.
Unfortunately, the actions of reckless North Dakota drivers can still cause pedestrian accidents, bicycle collisions, and motorcycle crashes, even when vulnerable road users are cautious. At Sand Law PLLC, we are all too familiar with the harsh consequences of collisions between motorists and vulnerable road users.
Let our team of North Dakota personal injury lawyers help shoulder the burden of pursuing compensation for your damages. Our dedicated team is experienced in handling the fallout of North Dakota traffic accidents for injured clients. Schedule a free consultation with us by calling (701) 394-4744 or filling out a contact form.
How to Avoid Injuries as a Vulnerable Road User in North Dakota
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists are all classified as vulnerable road users (VRUs). We include motorcyclists in this category even though they operate a vehicle with an engine. The reason behind this is motorcyclists have significantly less protection compared to drivers of cars or trucks even though they are completely integrated into the same space.
As a group, VRUs have a higher likelihood of catastrophic injuries in the event of a collision with a motorist. Therefore, vulnerable road users should make an effort to avoid creating or contributing to dangerous situations. These are a few ways vulnerable road users can be proactive about their safety.
Be Noticeable and Use Good Judgment When Navigating North Dakota Roads
Being prepared and remaining observant can help vulnerable road users avoid injuries.
Stay visible and alert to your surroundings: Wear bright colors or reflective clothing that is more likely to catch a driver’s eye, especially at night. However, you should still operate under the assumption that drivers don’t automatically see you, even if you make it obvious to them. This applies to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
Vulnerable road users can’t afford to be distracted when surrounded by vehicles many times their size. That means stay off your phone, leave your headphones out, and don’t walk or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Instead, focus your attention on what is happening around you so that you can react quickly if you need to. Even if you technically have the right of way, it may still be unsafe to turn or cross. When in doubt, wait or allow extra space between you and a motorist.
Wear the appropriate protective gear: Bicyclists and motorcyclists should take advantage of the protection helmets provide. Wearing a helmet considerably reduces your risk of a traumatic brain injury following a harsh impact. Helmets with a visor or face shield are preferable, but separate eye protection is still beneficial.
Additionally, bicyclists and motorcycle riders should avoid wearing clothing that is likely to get tangled in the wheels of their bikes. Instead, try to opt for tighter clothing that covers your legs and arms. Thicker materials provide a better barrier between your skin and the road in the event of a bicycle accident or motorcycle crash.
Move in a Predictable Pattern Helps Keep Vulnerable Road Users Safe
Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists should avoid impulsive movements or maneuvers.
Obey traffic laws and customs: Signal your turns when riding a bike or on a motorcycle, always wait for the crosswalk signal at intersections, and observe North Dakota traffic laws. For motorcyclists, this includes abiding by the speed limits to avoid a speeding accident with a car, truck, or vulnerable road user.
In addition to the formal rules governing North Dakota roadways, it is also wise to follow the unspoken rules of the road. For example, motorcyclists should avoid tailgating other vehicles, as it increases the chances of a rear-end accident. Ignoring traffic laws and patterns is dangerous because motorists are less likely to be able to anticipate and accommodate your movements.
Use sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks: The safest places for vulnerable road users are the areas designated specifically for them. Sidewalks and bike lanes provide a degree of separation from larger vehicles; crosswalks set clear boundaries that drivers can see from a distance.
At best, most drivers are only checking for vulnerable road users where they expect them to be. That means a motorcyclist riding in a car’s blind spot, a pedestrian crossing outside of an intersection, or a bicyclist riding between lanes of traffic is at a much greater risk of sustaining serious or fatal injuries.
Rely On the Expertise of Sand Law for Your North Dakota Personal Injury Claim
Taking your safety seriously can help you avoid the pain, expense, and inconvenience of injuries. However, if you do sustain an injury in a North Dakota traffic accident, demonstrating that you acted with reasonable caution can go a long way in preserving your ability to recover full compensation for your personal injury damages.
Sand Law PLLC has protected the rights of vulnerable road users throughout North Dakota as they sought fair settlements, and we can do the same for you. Our team will provide strategic negotiation, diligent investigation, and thorough documentation that are conducive to maximizing compensation.
You can reach us by calling (701) 394-4744 or filling out a contact form. Our team will gladly help you schedule a free consultation with a Sand Law personal injury attorney. By putting your trust in our proven process, you are one step closer to recovering the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Vision Zero decreased vulnerable road user fatalities in North Dakota?
North Dakota adopted the Vision Zero initiative in 2018 to eliminate fatal traffic accidents. According to North Dakota’s Vision Zero data, in 2022, 28% of the fatalities that year were vulnerable road users. Pedestrian fatalities were lower than in 2021 or 2020 and on par with pedestrian fatalities in 2019 and 2018.
Bicycle accident fatalities have remained essentially consistent since 2018, with 1 to 2 bicyclists killed each year in traffic accidents. Fatalities in North Dakota motorcycle accidents in 2022 were the highest they have been since 2018.
Can vulnerable road users share liability in a North Dakota traffic accident?
Yes, which is why vulnerable road users in North Dakota should exercise caution when sharing the road with motorists. If their reckless behavior contributes to the crash that caused their injuries, North Dakota’s modified comparative negligence statute allows the courts to reduce compensation by the percentage of fault attributable to their actions.
Does North Dakota have a universal helmet law for motorcyclists?
North Dakota does not have a universal helmet law for motorcyclists. Instead, North Dakota motorcycle helmet law requires anyone under 18 to wear a helmet, regardless of whether they are operating or riding as a passenger. It also stipulates that if the motorcycle operator is under 18, any passenger must also wear a helmet.
