Every year, about 2% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities are bicyclists.
This may not seem like a high statistic, but consider how many car crash deaths occur each year. In 2019, 843 people died while riding a bicycle.
For around a decade, fatal bike accidents were on the decline. Recent figures now show that bicycle accident deaths are on the rise.
If you often like to enjoy a bicycle ride around your city, then you need to know how to stay safe. Here are several things you can do to help yourself stay safe while riding a bicycle.
Wear Protective Gear
Head injuries are a leading cause of fatalities from a bike accident. Wearing a bike helmet can help protect yourself from head trauma.
Beyond a helmet, consider also investing in both knee and elbow pads. Wearing all of this protective gear helps to protect weak points in the body and could be what stands between you dying in an accident and surviving.
If you suffer an accident, be sure to find a good bicycle accident lawyer. A bicycle lawyer can help you get compensation for any injuries acquired. Protective gear can help you survive an accident, but you can still suffer from injuries and a hospital bill.
Stay On the Bike Lane That Faces Traffic
Always ride your bike on the side of the road that has you going with the traffic. In larger cities, there are bike lanes you can stay in as well.
If you try to ride against traffic, this can lead to not being able to see stop signs or traffic lights.
Use Reflective Material
One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is motor vehicles being unable to see the cyclist. Limited visibility endangers your life. If you tend to ride your bike in the early mornings or late evenings when light sources are low, this is all the more true.
To help reduce accidents, install reflectors on your bike. You should also wear bright or reflective clothing to help motor vehicles see you.
Check Your Equipment
Bicycles are like any other device. Equipment wears down and malfunctions.
You can help reduce the risk of your bicycle having an equipment malfunction by checking it over before you set off.
All of the bike tires should have proper inflation. Check to make sure reflectors and lights are still working. Look at the chains and gears to make sure they’re on track and don’t have any issues.
By inspecting the equipment, you can reduce the odds of an accident occurring due to a bike part malfunctioning.
Ride a Bicycle With Safety in Mind
When you ride a bicycle, you should always keep safety in mind. Oftentimes, you can avoid an accident by following the tips mentioned above.
If you do ever find yourself in a bike accident, get yourself a good bike accident lawyer. A lawyer can help protect you in a lawsuit and recover any damages incurred.
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