Driving defensively and following the rules of the road can help bikers stay safe.
Bicycling is growing in popularity across the United States as a form of transportation. Although it is still less common to see bikers commuting here than in Europe, biking has emerged as a popular sport, fun activity, and just a great way to get around.
Yet biking can also be incredibly dangerous, particularly when collisions with cars occur. As experienced bike accident attorneys, we have seen far too many cases involving people who were seriously — or even fatally — injured after colliding with cars while riding bicycles.
That’s why it is so important that bike riders take steps to stay safe and avoid accidents while out and about on their bikes. Even if the accident is the fault of the driver, because the bicyclist is almost guaranteed to be the person who is more seriously hurt, it only makes sense that bicyclists do everything within their power to avoid crashes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2010 alone, accidents between bicycles and vehicles accounted for 515,000 emergency room vehicles. Cyclists often require a lifetime of medical expenses as a result of their injuries. These devastating, lifelong medical injuries are a fundamental reason why it is so important that drivers and bicyclists learn basic road safety to prevent accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that bicyclists can reduce the risk of getting into accidents in three ways:
- Drive your bike defensively. Biking defensively means always being aware of the road and vehicles around you, and to always follow the rules of the road. Be aware of safety signs and stay alert to changes in traffic patterns. Ride with the flow of traffic and use hand signals, eye contact, and body language to communicate with drivers on the road near you.
- Dress for safety. It may seem nerdy, but wearing safety clothing — such as bright, neon clothing during the day and reflective gear at night — can help make you more visible to drivers. Put lights on your bike and clip them onto your body or your bag. You should also take advantage of items such as pant leg clips to prevent accidents from your clothes getting caught in your gears.
- Always wear a helmet. While wearing a helmet won’t prevent a helmet, having one on will significantly reduce the severity of your injuries in the event of an accident. Even if the law in your state does not require that you wear a helmet, a smart rider should always wear one — every time you get on your bike.
Taking road safety seriously can help you reduce the risk of an accident, and decrease the chances of being in a fatal or serious crash. At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we are dedicated to helping victims of bike accidents and all other types of accidents. We offer free initial consultations, where we will explain your rights and your options for pursuing a case. Contact us today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to schedule an appointment. We never charge a fee unless we get money for you!
