The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reported that 1,166 bicyclist fatalities and 49,489 non-fatal accidents occurred in 2023 due to traffic crashes on U.S. streets and roadways, highlighting the need for enhanced bike safety measures.
On a more local level, 237 pedal cyclist fatalities were recorded in Georgia between 2014 and 2023; 90 took place in Tennessee within the same timeframe.
Bike accidents are often caused by collisions with vehicles, which stresses the importance of both cyclists and drivers adhering to road safety protocols.
National Bike Safety Month is in full motion every May. In this spirit, Pritchard Injury Firm encourages everyone nearby in North Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee to observe critical on-the-road practices to avoid catastrophic injuries caused by bike wrecks and promote a safer cycling environment.
What Bicyclists Should Know in North Georgia and Tennessee
The NHTSA considers bicycles as vehicles, which means bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as drivers. Likewise, drivers should treat them as they would other vehicles. Some other safety tips for navigating through Chattanooga, TN and North Georgia include:
When biking, always wear a correctly fitting helmet. In fact, wearing a helmet is mandatory. In Georgia and Tennessee, all riders aged 16 years and under are required to wear them. If you are impacted in a bike wreck in Woodstock, GA, Cartersville, GA or Chattanooga, TN, a bike helmet can be the item that helps prevent you from suffering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Compared to vehicles, bicyclists are harder to see because of their smaller size. To make it easier for drivers to see you, have reflectors and lights on your bike, and wear retroreflective and bright clothing.
The twice-yearly time change for Daylight Savings is not a major factor in America’s ongoing road safety emergency, David Harkey, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said at a congressional hearing on April 10. The more prescient issue is visibility, regardless the time of year. “If you are looking for concrete guidance on whether to keep the current twice-yearly time changes, … the evidence does not point definitively one way or another,” Harkey said. “What our study does reinforce is that pedestrians and bicyclists are at greater risk in low light conditions.”
Bicyclists ride in the same direction as traffic, and obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a vehicle. Never text, listen to music, or do anything that can distract you from keeping your eyes, ears, and concentration on the road and traffic.
Cyclists should ride defensively. Ensure visibility by using hand signals and making eye contact with other road users to convey your turns.
Tips For Drivers in Chattanooga, TN and Cartersville and Woodstock, GA
Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. When driving, look out for bicyclists, never drive distracted, and look left-right-left and behind when turning right on red. Yield to bicycles as you would other vehicles.
If you see a bicyclist, maintain a safe distance: Bicyclists are most often killed by drivers who strike them with the front of their vehicles, often at high speeds. The higher the vehicle speed, the higher the likelihood a bicyclist will be seriously injured or killed.
And perhaps most importantly…
STAY ALERT AND DEFENSIVE. Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of others on the road. One of the biggest risks for cyclists in North Georgia and Chattanooga, TN is unfortunately distracted drivers. NHTSA reported 3,275 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023, alongside 324,819 injuries. This marks a slight decline from 2022 (3,308 deaths) but remains a critical safety issue, accounting for nearly 8% of all traffic fatalities.
Kickstarting #BikeSafetyMonth in May 2025
Read Pritchard Injury Firm’s prior Bike Safety Month coverage for more fast facts and guidance. We detailed ways to safely approach intersections and what you should do if injured in a bike accident. Follow these tips to ensure you protect yourself on the road and when dealing with insurance and medical matters.
The claims process can be complicated, but the Pritchard Injury Firm has the legal experience and compassion to provide North Georgia and Tennessee residents a professional and stress-free experience.
Your GA/TN Personal Injury Lawyer
Filing a personal injury claim quickly after a bike wreck and consulting with an injury lawyer in North Georgia or Tennessee will help maximize the value for your physical, mental and property damages.
Pritchard Injury Firm is here to provide the compassionate legal and emotional support you deserve. Contact Pritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation.