Fatal Bike Accident Could Have Been Prevented

A bike ride on a dreary Sunday morning turned deadly when the biker collided with a minivan. Better weather couldn`t have prevented the accident, but police say following a few safety measures could have. Around 9:15 a.m., police found a crumpled bicycle and a dented minivan at the scene of an accident on Broadway and Main Streets in North Little Rock. "All of a sudden the bicyclist just came out of nowhere," said Sgt. Jim Scott, NLR Police Department. A biker travelled south on Main Street in the left lane, ran a red light and collided with a minivan as it crossed the green light on Broadway. Police say the biker was pronounced dead at the scene from head injuries. A helmet could have saved his life. "A gruesome reminder about how important it is for bicyclists to wear their safety equipment when they`re out on the street. In 2002, there were eight biking fatalities caused by traffic accidents. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%. "Always wear a helmet," says biker Elizabeth Mayfield-Hart. She and her friends know it is not just the helmet that keeps them safe, but following the rules of the road that keeps them from needing it. "Make sure cars can see you before you cross in front of them, try to make eye contact," she said. "If you come to a stop sign, you have to stop, if you come to a red light, you have to stop. You have to make sure the roadway is clear before your proceed on. You cannot assume other drivers see you," said Sgt. Scott. Police say having lights on the front of the bike and reflectors on the back can help those drivers see you. And because bikes never come with the same safety equipment as cars, bikers have to take safety measures into their own hands. "Everytime we go to an accident scene involving a bike and car, the bicycle always loses," said Scott. Arkansas has no helmet law for bicycle or motorcycle riders. Only motorcycle riders under 20 years old are required to wear them.