Crashes involving cyclists, pedestrians on rise

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - As we're hearing more about crashes involving bicyclists and motorcyclists, driving experts and law enforcement say there are a couple of factors that are playing the biggest role.

In general, Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti says in vehicle accidents, people are very distracted.

"It seems now, when they're driving just day-to-day on the roadways, they're paying attention to their phones or whatever else is going on in their vehicle, and not really paying attention to what's going on around them. And certainly that could be when they're involved in a pedestrian type accident or a bicycle," said Filicetti in an interview with WBEN.

Filicetti believes traffic enforcement can help change behaviors.

"I think that's certainly something we've been dealing with since COVID, we've seen a difference in driving habits. And we're really taking an aggressive stance on enforcement in that regard, because we do see these habits," Filicetti said.

He adds the leading causes of accidents in Niagara County are speed failure, yield, right of way, and alcohol consumption.

Filicetti's advice to pedestrians is even though they have the right of way, don't assume drivers will see them.

"If you're going to walk into a crosswalk, make sure you make eye contact and the vehicle's slowing down," Filicetti advised.

He also reminds everyone whether you're driving a vehicle, a bicycle, a motorcycle, and follow the rules of the road.

AAA's Elizabeth Carey says there's a misconception on when more crashes happen.

"In winter, some people stay home. People are cautious on the roads. They're more aware of the dangers of the roads on slippery conditions and the warm weather. We definitely see an increase in crashes when the roads are dry and it's a sunny day, and people are distracted," said Carey with WBEN.

AAA's Traffic Safety Foundation does a lot of research into a dangerous driving behaviors, and the most common dangerous behaviors behind the wheel are seating, distracted driving and also aggressive driving.

"What we're seeing is people really just distracted behind the wheel in a rush to get to their location, seeing road rage behind the wheel as well," Carey explained.

Carey says drivers admit to doing these behaviors, at least, once in the past 30 days.

"It's hard. People are in a rush society today. People want to look at their phone right away. They want to get an instant response. They're in a hurry to get different places, and that can lead to different dangers on the road," she noted.

Carey says pedestrians should be wearing reflective clothing.

"If you're out for a walk, you're out for a run, drivers [need to] see you. Then at the same time, drivers [need to] be on alert and paying attention to the road, scanning the road in front of them, rather than looking down at a phone or a device," Carey said.

When it comes to motorcycles, Carey says they have just as much a right to be on the road with vehicles.

"If you see a motorcycle in front of you and you're driving a vehicle, give them space," Carey reminded. "Motorcyclists, themselves, should make sure that they're wearing the proper helmet, and that they're obeying the speed limit and they're not using any type of alcohol or any other substance when they are driving their motorcycle."