CORAM, New York — Suffolk County Police began investigating a serious bicycle crash that occurred on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, around 9 p.m. Newsday reported that the accident happened on North Ocean Avenue at the intersection of Route 112. Detectives from Suffolk County police department’s Sixth Squad will oversee the investigation. Detectives reported that the adult […]
Bicycle accident in Coram
CORAM, New York — Suffolk County Police began investigating a serious bicycle crash that occurred on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, around 9 p.m. Newsday reported that the accident happened on North Ocean Avenue at the intersection of Route 112. Detectives from Suffolk County police department’s Sixth Squad will oversee the investigation.
Detectives reported that the adult male riding the bicycle suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized. An update regarding the bicycle rider’s condition is available. The investigation, to this point, reveals that the motorist was driving southerly on North Ocean Avenue and hit the bicycle rider who was in the intersection at Route 112. Medics transported the badly injured bicycle rider to Stony Brook University Hospital with severe injuries. The reporting detectives did not describe the nature or extent of the bicycle rider’s injuries to Newsday.
New York law contains provisions delineating the rights and responsibilities of cyclists in the state. Additionally, the Rules of New York City also describe the rights and duties of cyclists in the City. State law requires motorists to use all due care and caution so as to avoid hitting a bicycle rider. Also, all motorists must pass cyclists on the cyclist’s left and provide enough distance to pass safely. Many states require three feet distance between the passing car and bicycle. New York law does not give a specific distance. The Official Rules of the City of New York penalize motorists who hit cyclists who have the right of way or refuses to yield to a bicycle rider who has the right of way.
One of the most dangerous situations experienced by cyclists occurs when a motorist opens a door into traffic. State law obligates the driver to use caution when opening the car door, and the occupant may exit the vehicle only when safe to do so. The vehicle occupant cannot obstruct traffic when doing so. The Rules of New York have a substantially similar law to the state law. However, the Rules of New York state that cab drivers cannot let passengers out in a bike lane or otherwise obstruct traffic.
