How Do I Avoid Being Involved in a Bicycle Accident?
California’s warm, sunny weather, an abundance of bicycle lanes and trails, and beautiful scenery is more than enough motivation for most cyclists to get on two wheels for fun, exercise, or even commuting. However, if accidents happen, they can do much more than erase the benefits of bike riding and ruin a pleasant afternoon. The National Highway Traffic Safety reported that 2018 saw 857 bicyclists killed as a result of motor vehicle accidents. If you’re getting on a bicycle, some crucial facts and important safety tips can help you stay safe and hopefully avoid needing a California bicycle accident injury attorney.
Bicycle Accident Facts and Figures
Though collisions with motor vehicles are the most serious crashes, injuries can result from falls regardless of the circumstances – that’s why prevention is key. To help lower the risk for crashes, bicyclists should know:
- Most deaths occur between 6 and 9 pm
- 75 percent of deaths are in urban areas
- Alcohol was a factor in 37 percent of all 2017 fatal crashes
- Bicyclists utilizing the roads are required to follow all traffic laws as if they were motorists
Top 3 Safety Tips for Bicycle Riders
1. Prepare for Your Ride
It’s important to prepare for your ride before you start. Remember that you should always:
- Have a bike that fits your size
- Check your bike’s functionality – gears, wheels, and brakes need to be in good shape
- Have a helmet, reflective gear, working bike lights and reflectors
- Make sure your shoelaces and pant legs are away from the bike chain
2. Ride Defensively
Being aware of your road conditions and traffic as you ride is important. These help you anticipate the actions of others and help you avoid potential collisions. Be sure to:
- Ride with the flow of traffic
- Obey all traffic laws as if you were in a car – this means turn signals, street signs, and lane designations
- Avoid earphones or other distractions on the road
- Watch the road for gravel, debris, potholes, and uneven surfaces
3. Practice Riding Skills
It’s important you practice riding a bike and getting experience before you set out; practice helps you prepare for traffic. There are a number of biking safety classes that can help you understand the rules of the road as well as educate you on bike handling procedures. Confidence will help you navigate roads with ease as well as reduce your risk of an accident.
Contact a California Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you are involved in a bicycle wreck in California, taking a few simple steps can help you heal physically and put your legal case in the best possible position. The experienced California bicycle accident attorney Alan Daneshrad can help you navigate the tricky legal roads to recovery. Our team has years of experience handling claims just like yours, and we have the knowledge, drive, and resources to thoroughly review the facts, investigate your case, and aggressively litigate your claim. We believe you deserve the right representation and the right results; that’s why we deliver tenacious, committed representation to get your life back on track. We offer a free, no risk, no-obligation consultation. Call us at (310) 858-8239 or complete our online form to schedule a free case review. Get started today!
