NY Jets Assistant Coach Dies In Bicycle Accident In Broad Daylight

When we talk about Connecticut bicycle accidents we often think about accidents that happen at night when it may be more difficult for a driver to see a cyclist on the road.  However, these accidents do happen during the day and one such accident occurred in California when NY Jets assistant coach, Greg Knapp, was struck by a motor vehicle at 2:49pm.

The incident which left Knapp unconscious and ultimately took his life involved no drugs or alcohol, and the 22-year old driver stopped at the scene of the accident to cooperate with police.

We know that accidents with cyclists can happen at any time of the day in any situation.  It is important that we all share the road in the safest way possible.  As a motorist there are some things you can do to ensure that riders feel safe and remain protected while we are sharing the road.

1. Never “tailgate” a cyclist.  If a rider is riding in your lane, they should be keeping up with traffic.  If they are not, you should still remain a safe distance behind them to give yourself enough space to stop if they suddenly come to a stop.
2. Always signal and move over if you are passing a cyclist.  If you cannot safely pass a cyclist while driving in your lane, look before you signal and drive out into the neighboring lane to give yourself enough space to pass the cyclist.
3. Always come to a complete stop at intersections, especially intersections where your view of on-coming bike traffic may be obscured.  If you are at a complete stop you will give yourself enough time and distance to be able to make good decisions if a cyclist comes into view.
4. Do not drive in a bike lane.  Whether there is a cyclist in the lane or not, these lanes are designed specifically for bikes and they should not be used by drivers in a car or motorcycle.

By following some of these simple rules you are not only protecting yourself from causing a serious Connecticut bicycle accident which may result in an injury or fatality, you are also protecting the other cyclists on the road.  If we all work together to make sure that our roads are safe we will limit the incidence of accidents.

Riding your bike should be a fun activity, but it comes with risks.  If you have been injured while out riding your bike, you may need an attorney to review your case and protect your long-term interests.  Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will look at the facts of your case.