LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- A new study shows Florida is considered the deadliest state for bicyclists.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said 16% of the 783 cyclists who were killed in the U.S. in 2017 were killed on Florida roads.
The study said a factor in those fatalities were cyclists wearing dark clothes which makes it difficult to see them on the road.
Another big factor are drivers and bicyclists failing to yield the right of way.
It also doesn't help that Florida attracts a lot of tourists who may not be familiar with roads.
But AAA said many bicyclists simply aren't doing enough to protect themselves.
In a recent AAA survey, about 35% bicyclists admitted to not wearing a helmet.
Almost 75% of cyclists said they ride against traffic because they prefer to see the cars coming towards them meaning they are riding the wrong way.
Florida law requires bicyclists to operate on the right side of the road or in a bike lane if there is one.
There have been many deadly bicyclist crashes over the years in Southwest Florida.
In that survey, AAA also asked you what your concerns are driving next to cyclists.
Many people answered saying they feel they don’t have enough room to drive next to bikers.
People also said they were worried that biker will swerve into traffic or that they won't see them to begin with.
Florida law states that motorists are required to give at least 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist.
Cyclists under 16 years old must wear a helmet.
AAA also gave tips for cyclists such as giving an signal anytime you turn.
They also said to wear bright colors during the day and reflective gear at night.
For drivers, they say to be alert and yield to bikers while turning.
They said to check mirrors and blind spots being changing lanes.
In bad weather, be sure to give bikers extra room.
As for kids riding on their bikers, just be extra careful driving past them.
