Bike riding is becoming a new hobby for many people. However, you should also know that more than 300,000 children get injured due to accidents. More than 10,000 children have serious injuries and they recover after a few days. Most deaths from these accidents occur due to head trauma. Thus, Bicycle helmets are very important for bicyclists. You can’t eliminate the risk of being in an accident. These accidents can occur even if you are following all the instructions. But, you can still avoid injuries by following some simple tips.
Reason for Bicycle Crashes
Most accidents occur when bicyclists crash or fall into an object. Both motorists and cyclists have to follow the same rules. However, there are some other factors that can create disharmony between drivers and cyclists. It is difficult to spot bicyclists at night and in low-visibility conditions. Alcohol can also lead to these accidents as more than 37% of traffic crashes occur due to alcohol intoxication. Most people assume that it is safe to ride a bicycle on sidewalks. But, the risk of accidents actually increases if you are riding on sidewalks. You might crash into a pedestrian or stationary object. We are going to share some simple tips that will help you in avoiding serious injuries.
- Wear a helmet
Every rider should start their ride by hearing a helmet. It is important for both adults and kids. The best way to avoid injuries and medical bills are by wearing a helmet. According to many studies, helmets can reduce the risk of a serious injury by more than 85%. You can avoid serious head injuries by wearing a helmet. According to the CDC, in 2009 about 660 bicyclists lost their life. More than 400 lives could have been avoided just by wearing a simple helmet. You should also ensure that your helmet is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or CPSC. Wear a helmet even if you are going for a short ride.
- Drive Defensively
You should stay focused when you are driving on the road. Try to anticipate what other drivers may do. This is known as a defensive driving technique. You should try to quickly notice a potential conflict as it will help you in avoiding a potential crash. Make sure that you are always following the rules while driving. You should obey road markings, signals, and street signs. Also, never text or listen to music when you are riding your bicycle.
- Drive Predictably
If you are driving predictably, then other people on the road will understand your movement. This will ensure that they can quickly react to avoid a crash. You should drive in your lane only. If you want to change your lane position, then you should look over your shoulder first. You should try to minimize sidewalk riding as most cars don’t expect that there will be moving traffic on a sidewalk. Sideways can end unexpectedly and this will force you to return on the road. If a car isn’t expecting you, then it might lead to a crash. You should follow these tips if you are riding on a sidewalk:
- Check your law and ensure that sidewalk riding is legal in your country.
- Always watch for pedestrians that are walking on the sidewalk.
- You should use a bell before passing the pedestrians.
- You should slow down and check for traffic before crossing a street.
What to do after an accident
These are some tips that you can follow for avoiding serious accidents. However, you can’t eliminate the risk of road accidents. A distracted, careless, speeding, drowsy, or aggressive driver can cause complete devastation in seconds. According to a report by NHTSA, more than 48,000 bicyclists were injured in 2013. The steps you will take after an accident will be very important for your case. If you get caught up in a bike accident, then you should follow these steps:
- You should speak to the police before leaving the accident scene. Make sure that you are contacting the police even if you think that you are not injured. In most cases, victims will feel pain after a few hours.
- Never try to negotiate with the other driver. They will sometime accept their mistake just to avoid the case. You should first wait for the police so they can document the whole incident.
- If there are any witnesses nearby, then you should get their contact information.
- You should take a photo of your injuries, your bike, and the other vehicle.
Conclusion
Bicycle riding is becoming a new hobby for many people. You can ride a bicycle for staying active. It will also allow you to meet new people. However, you should always try to avoid injuries. You can get in an accident even after wearing proper safety equipment. If you have been hit by a vehicle while riding your bike, then you should immediately look for a lawyer who has experience with bicycle accidents. They can help you in the recovery process. An experienced attorney will have extensive experience in dealing with bicycle accidents and they can help you in representing your case.
