5 Ways to Reduce Bike Accidents

Car accidents involving bicycles are extremely dangerous. Common injuries resulting from bicycle accidents include neck injuries, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Last year, more than 850 bicyclists were killed in accidents. Fortunately, most bicycle accidents are preventable with proper care and attention. Here, The Barnes Firm’s top bicycle accident lawyers discuss five simple ways you can reduce bike accidents as both a bicyclist and a motorist.

Why It’s Important to Wear Reflective Gear

Whenever you ride a bike, one of the best ways to ensure your safety is to wear reflective gear. Popular forms of reflective gear include:

• Vests
• Helmets
• Wrist guards
• and shoes.

There are also reflective devices specifically made for bike tires, seats, and handlebars. Wearing the appropriate reflective gear makes bicyclists more visible to drivers at dusk, dawn, and night.

Why It’s Important to Use Designated Bike Lanes

Many roads in metropolitan areas have designated bike lanes. These lanes are specifically designed so cyclists can make it to and from their destinations quickly and safely. When there’s a bike lane available, all cyclists should be sure to use it to avoid accidents. If a bike lane is not present, cyclists should ride on the right side of the right lane except when they’re making a left-hand turn.

Motorists should also be aware of bike lanes and pay careful attention to where they are along their regular commutes. By knowing where the bike lanes are, a motorist is less likely to be distracted or surprised by a cyclist riding near them and, therefore, less likely to get into an accident.

Why It’s Necessary to Follow the Rules of the Road

One simple way for both cyclists and motorists to reduce accidents is to follow the rules of the road. Like motorists, cyclists are required to yield to pedestrians and obey traffic signals. Other rules of the road both motorists and cyclists must follow include:

• Always allow 3 feet between themselves and other vehicles/bikes when passing
• Always drive and ride in the same direction as traffic, since not doing so is illegal
• Always stop for school buses with extended stop signs

It’s also important to note that cyclists follow the same rules as motorists at four-way stops and use the appropriate signals for turning and stopping.

Why You Should Always Use Headlights at Night

Just as cyclists should wear reflective gear to stand out, both motorists and cyclists should use headlights at night to illuminate their path. Headlights make it easier to see road hazards, help drivers and cyclists know when to stop and work to prevent accidents. All cars come equipped with headlights and most are automatic. Bicycles, however, need to be equipped with headlights. Most bike shops and sporting goods stores supply a variety of headlights to meet the needs of all cyclists.

Pay Careful Attention in Bad Weather

Riding a bike during inclement weather can be extremely dangerous. Most motorists do not expect to see cyclists on the road in bad weather. Likewise, poor weather conditions can make it difficult to properly ride a bike. Cyclists that must ride during bad weather to commute to and from work should allow extra time for their ride and pay extra attention to their surroundings to prevent accidents.

What to Do After a Bike Accident

If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, the first and best step is to call a trusted car accident and personal injury attorney at The Barnes Firm. We will go over your case for free to help you understand the best course of action to get back to your pre-accident life.

The Barnes Firm’s bicycle accident lawyers have your best interests in mind, and the experience required to recover the best result possible.

Call or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.

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Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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