New Year's resolutions are oftern focused on improving one's health through exercise. And riding a bike is a fantastic form of exercise. I personally love riding one of my bikes, even though I enjoy riding on a trail as opposed to a road for safety reasons. I do this as I know that bicycle accidents happen on a regular basis. While many people choose bicycles as an eco-friendly means of transportation over short distances, and a wonderful form of relaxation and exercise, riding a bicycle isn't all nice views and good exercise. What's the biggest danger to bicycle riders? Other vehicles sharing the road.
Bike statistics reveal dangers.
A motor vehicle accident involving a bike can be deadly. These accidents injure 52,000 people every year, and kill 700 bikers annually. Urban areas are particularly hazardous for bike riders, but bicycle-car accidents happen practically anywhere. As a bicyclist, you must be extra vigilant in order to effectively protect yourself.
How to protect yourself while biking.
Helmets exist for a reason. They're not particularly glamorous, but helmets can save your life and help prevent extremely dangerous brain injuries. Make sure you always wear a properly fitted helmet for your own protection.
The biggest cause of vehicle-bicycle accidents is drivers not seeing a biker. You must be extremely vigilant and defensive when you're biking around cars. Never assume that a vehicle can see you while you're out biking. Signal properly before turning, and make sure vehicles are responding to your signals before you turn. Even if you do everything right; if a motor vehicle driver isn't paying attention, it'll be you suffering the injuries. You have to pay enough attention for everyone.
When riding at night, always wear reflective gear on both you and the bike. Having reflective gear only on your bike can expose you to a potentially dangerous situation; most drivers are accustomed to looking at eye-height for obstacles, and may not look carefully enough to notice your bike's reflective gear before they encounter you. Also, a flashing red light affixed to your bike is a great safety item. These are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at your local bike store.
At the Anderson Law Firm, we represent bicycle accident victims and always offer free consultations. So if you have been injured in a bike accident and you want to know your legal rights, feel free to contact us at 1-877-294-1115. With offices in Dallas and Fort Worth, we represent bicycle wreck victims all over the North Texas area. Click here to contact us online.
