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The Ultimate Guide to Staying Safe While Riding Your Bike
Cycling is a great way to get around. It is good for your health and it’s even better for the environment. Millions of cyclists share the road with motorists every day, and largely, they do so without incident.
Whenever a pedestrian of any sort shares the road with a motor vehicle, there is the potential risk of an accident. While some might assume that the roads are getting safer for cyclists and other pedestrians, research from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) paints a different picture.
Pedestrian fatalities rose to 5,997 in 2016 from the 5,376 that were reported in 2015. This is an 11% increase from the previous year. The figure of 5,376 in 2015 was also an increase from the 4,910 pedestrian fatalities recorded in 2014.
When you look at incidents that involve cyclists and motor vehicles, you see that these numbers are also on the rise. In 2015, there were an estimated 45,000 bicyclist injuries. That figure is up from 44,000 reported injuries in 2006. In addition to that, there were 818 bicyclist deaths in 2015, which was an increase from 772 in 2006.
Staying Safe on the Road
While the numbers can be alarming, it is important to remember that riding a bike is safe. The odds that any individual rider will be involved in a serious accident are slim, and it is an activity that can have so many benefits. That being said, all it takes is one careless or reckless driver to turn an enjoyable bike ride into a trip to the hospital.
For the most part, cyclists do have to rely on motorists to drive responsibly. If a motorist is distracted, impaired or just driving in a way that is generally careless, there usually is not much that a biker can do to prevent the accident. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to risk and prevent injuries in the event of an accident.
- Protective Gear: Wearing a helmet is one of the best ways to protect against riding injuries. Studies have shown that bicycle helmets can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries.
- Ride with Traffic: Riding against traffic increases the risk of an accident. Whenever you are out on the road, make sure to follow the flow of the traffic.
- Be Seen: The easier you are to see, the less likely you are to get hit. Use lights and reflectors to make yourself easier to see when riding at night or in low-light conditions.
- Stay on the Path: Bike paths are becoming more common in cities around the United States. If there is a bike path on your route, try to stick to it as much as possible.
- Safety Check: You should always do a quick safety check before taking your bike out. Check the brakes and the tires to make sure your bike is in good working order.
- Signals: While it is the responsibility of a motorist to avoid hitting non-motorists, you can reduce your risk by making sure people know what you are doing. Use the proper hand signals when you plan to turn or stop.
What to do if You’re Injured While Biking
- Recognizing your rights and being able to fight for your justice after a bike accident can be difficult. The last thing you want to do is deal with a drawn out and complex legal situation, which is why it’s important to go to a specialist.
- A good accident lawyer can make all the difference in your case. Having someone with experience on your side will allow you to focus on healing, while being rest assured that your case is being handled properly.
A bike accident attorney will fight for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. As your lawyer is familiar with the legal system and special laws surrounding bike injuries, they will be an irreplaceable part of your full recovery. Don’t suffer needlessly: find a reputable bicycle accident lawyer to ease your mind and help you make the best of an unfortunate situation.
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