Posted on Monday, October 4th, 2021 at 8:36 pm
In 2019 there were 846 bicyclists who died in traffic accidents according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many of these crashes could have been avoided if both drivers and cyclists obeyed traffic laws and were diligent about watching out for one another. Below are some do’s and don’ts for preventing bike accidents:
DO: Time your trip wisely. Most fatal bike accidents occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. As the sun sets visibility is limited and sun glare can also blind drivers. If you do need to be out during those hours make sure you wear bright, reflective clothing and have a light on your bike.
DON’T: Leave your driveway without a safety check. Always wear a helmet that is properly fitted to your head. Make sure your bike tires are pumped up and there are no issues with your brakes. Tuck in pant legs and shoelaces so they don’t get caught in bike gears and if you’re carrying anything put it in a backpack or strap it to the bike.
DO:Map out the safest route. Not surprisingly, most bicycle/car crashes occur in more urban areas. Consider the time of day and the traffic and plan a route that takes you on roads with the least amount of fast-moving traffic.
DON’T:Bike under the influence. Studies showed that in one in four fatal bicycle accidents the biker had been drinking alcohol.
DO:Exercise extra caution at intersections. It may be difficult for drivers to see you in their blind spot as you approach an intersection. Go slowly and always use the appropriate hand signals to indicate the direction you intend to turn.
DON’T:Get distracted. Avoid listening to music or talking on your phone even if it’s hands-free or doing anything else that will take your focus off the road and detract from your ability to hear the traffic around you.
DO:Ride with the flow of traffic, obeying all rules of the road. Leave extra space whenever possible between you and cars to allow time and space for evasive maneuvers if necessary.
Blog of Beware of Bicycles
Have you or a loved one been a victim of a DUI, car, truck, or motorcycle accident, dog attack, or a slip and fall incident? If so, Tiemann Law Firm can help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, same-day consultation by calling (916) 999-9000.
