While the bicycle is a good way to get around the city or community, cyclists face dangers as they enter the streets. Bicycle accidents across the United States cause serious injuries and claim lives every year. However, according to experts, there are several things you can do to prevent these types of accidents when you know about bicycle safety.
Establishing Rules
Establish rules for children to use the bike safely. Make sure children know that if they break the rules – such as riding a bike without a helmet or without fastening the helmet – there will be consequences. Teach children how to ride a bike safely by going with them and setting a good example. Have a written list of rules about using the bike and review it with them from time to time.
Improve Cycling Skills
Hone your cycling skills. Experienced cyclists are less likely to fall off the bike or have a traffic accident. Gradually, develop your skills and stay on flat tracks away from car traffic until you have grasped practice. If it's been a few years since you haven't ridden the bike, practice and give yourself time before you get on difficult routes and where there are cars. There are several online resources that can help you refresh your knowledge about bicycles.
Carefully Select Your Route
Choose your route carefully. Even if you are an experienced cyclist, sharing the streets with drivers and trucks is dangerous. Not all motorists pay attention and, for them, the chances of being able to escape a serious injury in a truck or car accident in Hollywood are not good. Riding on bike tracks or in quiet streets with little traffic is a very good idea if you want to have a good time recreating.
Wear a Helmet
Always wear a helmet. According to the Highway Safety Insurance Institute, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of brain injury by 85%. This statistic is significant, because brain injuries in the United States are a leading cause of fatal injuries in bicycle accidents. Buy a helmet you love and wear it every time you go ride your bike. If something happens to the helmet that you can't wear, get off the bike and walk your bike.
Remain Visible
It is essential to stay visible. Wearing bright clothing and using lights and reflectors is important to avoid a collision. Always make the signs when you're going for a turn, to make sure drivers can see where you're headed. You are much less likely to crash into a car if motorists can see you and can anticipate or know where it's going.
Stay Focused
Riding a bike while you're daydreaming or while listening to music will likely result in an accident. It is a very important aspect about bicycle safety that you keep all your attention on the road and in traffic. Even on the bike tracks, if you are distracted you can end up in a pedestrian accident. Just hop on the bike if you're ready to give your full attention to what's going on around you.
No Shortcuts
Don't take shortcuts when it comes to traffic laws. Bicycles are a very flexible form of transportation. This is one reason why enthusiastic cyclists love them. However, even when it is possible to get in and out of traffic or get on or off sidewalks and ignore road signs, it is very dangerous to do so. Treat your bike as if it were a car. Leave enough space around your bike and obey all road signs. Keep in mind that although bikes are flexible and can move fast, the cars around you are not! This is important to know about bicycle safety!
Legal Representation
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate in seeking legal representation of a bicycle accident attorney in South Florida or in your area. You do have rights and you may just be giving away those rights. This is a key thing to know about bicycle safety and the law.
