Share the road: Yield to bicyclists & pedestrians

When a crash occurs between a motor vehicle and a cyclist or pedestrian, it is quite predictable that the cyclist or pedestrian is likely to be injured.  

In 2015, a bicyclist was injured every 5 hours and 56 minutes, on average, while a pedestrian was injured every 4 hours and 18 minutes. Remember to share the road and keep these tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in mind when you are driving to help keep these vulnerable roadway users safe:

Bicyclists:

• Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.
• In parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up, or when parking, search your surroundings for other vehicles including bicycles.
• Drivers turning right on red should look to the right and behind to avoid hitting a bicyclist approaching from the right rear. Stop completely and look left-right-left and behind before turning right on red.
• Obey the speed limit, reduce speed for road conditions and drive defensively to avoid a crash with a cyclist.
• Give cyclists room. Do not pass too closely. Pass bicyclists as you would any other vehicle—when it’s safe to move over into an adjacent lane.

Pedestrians:

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or in bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
• Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where there are children present.
• Be extra cautious when backing up – pedestrians can move into your path.

Get more information on bicycle safety and pedestrian safety.

See Fox TV-2 report

MI offers info to parents on insuring teen drivers

Michigan's Department of Insurance and Financial Services offers these tips to parents on insuring their teen drivers:

• Notify your insurance agent/company when your teenager becomes a licensed driver
• Shop around
• Look into all discounts available to you
• Consider revising your family's coverage or deductibles

More

When going through a designated work area, pay close attention to the posted speed limits. For most construction, maintenance or surveying activities, the speed limit is 45 mph unless posted differently. Work zones may limit speeds to 45 mph where workers are present, yet allow traffic to return to the normally posted speed when workers are absent. Always keep in mind that fines are doubled for all moving violations in work zones. Ruth Johnson Secretary of State

Be ready for roundabouts

Roundabouts are being installed on Michigan roadways more and more.  Many drivers, however, struggle with the proper way to navigate them, particularly those who may not have much experience with them.

1. As you approach the roundabout, slow down, and make sure you are in the correct lane. Use the signs and/or pavement markers to help you. 
2. Be sure to yield to traffic already in the roundabout, including any pedestrians or cyclists who are present.  Remember, traffic in a roundabout always moves counterclockwise, so look left for oncoming traffic.
3. When there is a sufficient gap in traffic, enter the roundabout. 
4. Once you are in the roundabout, don’t change lanes, or stop. If you are in a roundabout with a bus or large truck, do not drive alongside them, as they may need extra space due to their size.
5. If you miss your exit in the roundabout, don’t back up. Simply drive around a second time and try again.

For more information, visit Michigan.gov/Roundabouts.

Teaching tip for parents

When your teen makes a mistake, which will be often, do not criticize. Remain calm and simply repeat the maneuver until it's done correctly. To ease their frustration, emphasize that mistakes are a normal part of learning.  Get more tips