VIDEO: #WhatToDo when cyclist and vehicle collide …
Pedal Power Association on what to do in an event of an accident and the Herald video interviews a local cyclist. WATCH here ...
According to the Pedal Power Association, a cyclist has a less than 50 per cent chance of survival when involved in a collision with a vehicle. Here’s what to do in the event of an accident …
“Even if cyclists are hit at slower speeds, they face severe injury. Always look out for cyclists on the road,” said Robert Vogel, CEO of the Pedal Power Association.
He added that if a driver does knock down a cyclist, the normal duties of a driver in an event of an accident as provided by section 61 of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 apply:
• The driver must stop immediately and report the accident to the police.
• The driver needs to check whether the cyclist or anyone else has been injured and render assistance if he is able to do so.
• The driver must provide his details to the authorities or witnesses.
• The driver must report the accident at a police station as soon as possible. If a person was killed or injured, the accident must be reported within 24 hours.
• A vehicle involved in a fatal accident may not be removed from the scene unless authorised by a traffic official.
• In the event that a motorist knocks down a cyclist and the State decides to pursue a criminal case, the State will have to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the driver is in fact guilty.
• Should the driver be found guilty of reckless, negligent or inconsiderate driving or of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a harsh sentence will be imposed. This may include imprisonment for culpable homicide.
Vogel continued, saying, “As much as we advocate for drivers to give cyclists ample space when passing, cyclists need to obey the rules of the road as well.”
The Herald also spoke to Lee Kotze, a professional cyclist at Randmark about what to do in an event of an accident as a cyclist. Watch the video below.
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