Bicycle Safety and Avoiding Accidents

 Summer is almost here and with that, more and more cyclists will be out enjoying the weather.  Unfortunately, statistics show that over 48,000 cyclists are injured every year.  So, if you plan on taking your bicycle out, please take some extra precaution to protect yourself.
First, let’s examine the common causes of bicycle accidents.  These accidents generally occur because: (1) Cyclists are not visible to careless motorists, who try to turn in front of the cyclist, and in doing so, they end up striking the cyclist.  (2) Sometimes, cars or motorcyclists try to overtake a cyclist and in the process, they drive the cyclist off the road.  (3) A cyclist is sometimes struck by an oncoming vehicle at an intersection due to a lack of traffic signal or stop sign.  (4) Accidents can also occur because of highway debris, unsafe guardrails, or poor lighting conditions.
How can you protect yourself? (1) You should always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.  It is the single most effective way to prevent a head injury.  (2) Increase your visibility by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, dawn, and dusk.  At night, you should use a front light and a red reflector or flashing rear light, and use retro-reflective tape on equipment or clothing. (3) Cyclists are considered vehicle operators.  So, you are required to obey the same rules of the road as operators of other vehicles.  This means obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. When cycling in the street, you must ride in the same direction as traffic. (4) If you are the motorist, you should allow at least three feet clearance when passing a cyclist, look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space, and yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by traffic signs and signals. They should especially watch for cyclists when making right or left turns.
Despite the statistics, bicycling still remains a healthful and inherently safe activity.  So, enjoy a day in the sun with your bicycle – just take some precautions to be safe.
For more information, please call The Mason Law Firm at 661-476-5678 or email mason@mrscvlaw.com.