Bicycling is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be dangerous when sharing the road with motor vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are almost 900 bicycle-related deaths each year in the United States. From drunk drivers to distracted motorists, many of these bicyclist fatalities could have been prevented.
This blog will discuss how you can avoid a bicycle crash and how to stay safe while riding.
Bicycling Safety Tips
Bicycling is a great activity, but it's essential to be aware of the risks. Every year, thousands of people are injured in bicycle accidents. While it’s impossible to control how motorists behave on the road, here are some safety precautions you can take to help mitigate injuries should a crash occur.
- Wear a helmet. This is the most critical piece of safety gear for bicyclists. A helmet can protect your head in the event of a fall or collision.
- Make sure your bicycle is in good working condition. Before riding, check that your tires are properly inflated and that your brakes are working properly.
- Night Riding precautions. If you ride at night or dusk, install a front light and rear reflectors on your bicycle. A yellow or orange shirt or jacket also helps cars and trucks to more easily take notice of you when it’s dark outside.
- Ride defensively. Be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of drivers who may not see you.
- Beware of Turning vehicles. When riding in marked bicycle lanes, be aware of turning drivers at intersections. You may have the right of way, but many drivers fail to look properly to see if a bicycle is approaching. Trucks often have a blind spot in their mirrors, but proceed to turn without turning their heads to check if it’s safe to go.
- Obey traffic laws. Ride in the same direction as traffic and follow all traffic signals and signs.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, there are some things that you should do to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
The first thing you should do is assess the situation and make sure that everyone involved is okay. If someone is injured, it is essential to get them medical attention as soon as possible. If there is an injury, call 911 and seek medical and police assistance. Once you have done that, you can then start to gather information.
Take pictures of the scene of the accident, all vehicles involved including their license plates, and any damage to your bicycle or yourself. This will be helpful when it comes time to file any reports or insurance claims. If the police can’t or won’t come to the scene, ask to take photos of the driver’s license, registration (can be the sticker on the windshield), and insurance card of the vehicles involved.
Once you're ready to begin the process, connect with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and get the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you are injured in an accident, don't hesitate to reach out for legal help. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the process and help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Contact Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices today at (718) 690-3132 to get started.