Cycling, whether as a mode of transportation or a recreational activity, offers numerous benefits. Biking is an excellent way to get around your neighborhood and an even better way to exercise. However, the joy of biking can be swiftly overshadowed by the high risk of accidents, which can often lead to serious injuries or worse. As specialists in this field, our team of bike accident attorneys is not only dedicated to assisting victims in the aftermath of an accident but to also share knowledge on how you can try and avoid these dangers. In this article we will be exploring the most common causes of bike accidents and what you can do to keep yourself safe on the road.
Distracted Driving
One of the primary culprits behind bike accidents is distracted driving. When a driver diverts their attention from the road, even momentarily, they significantly increase the risk of missing a cyclist’s presence, which can lead to a collision. Most bike accidents occur due to a lack of visibility, so consider taking steps to enhance your visibility to those around you. Wearing bright reflective clothing, and attaching lights to your bicycle can help create beacons around you so that you become more visible to those around you.
The Threat of Dooring
Unexpectedly opening a car door into a cyclist’s path, an incident known as “dooring,” can have devastating consequences. To help mitigate this risk, we strongly advise that you maintain a safe distance from parked cars and try to remain vigilant for signs of activity within any vehicles. Be sure to also use designated bike lanes, these are usually designed to keep cyclists from a door zone and safe from cars.
Navigating Intersections Safely
Intersections are hotspots for accidents caused by right hooks and left crosses, where turning vehicles can intersect a cyclist’s path. Try to engage in eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you, and to help anticipate vehicle movements, doing so can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. When riding a bicycle always try to position yourself so you are visible to other vehicles as this is crucial to your safety.
The Perils of Poor Road Conditions
Challenges such as potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces pose significant risks to cyclists, potentially leading to loss of control. Weather conditions can exacerbate these dangers, making cautious riding and route planning paramount. Bike accident attorneys often advise cyclists to report hazardous road conditions to local authorities to help prevent accidents.
The Impact of Speed
Speed plays a critical role in the occurrence and severity of bike accidents. Both cyclists and motorists are urged to adhere to speed limits and adjust their speed based on current road and traffic conditions. Traveling at a safe speed ensures that cyclists can react promptly to avoid hazards, a point often stressed by bike accident lawyers in safety seminars.
The Risk of Riding Against Traffic
Riding against traffic significantly increases the likelihood of head on collisions. Bike accident attorneys strongly advocate for cyclists to follow traffic laws, ride in the same direction as traffic, and utilize appropriate lanes and bike paths to ensure their safety.
Roads can often be fraught with hazards for cyclists, but if you are armed with knowledge and are prepared for anything, the risks associated with riding your bike can be substantially reduced. Always make sure that you wear proper safety gear, keep your bike in good working condition, and always ride safely and defensively when around any vehicles on the road. If you are injured in an accident, be sure to contact the best bike accident lawyers in Salt Lake City. At LifeLaw Personal Injury we love riding bikes. In fact one of our attorneys, David Francis, was on the U.S Olympic cycling team alongside Lance Armstrong. This unique love for bicycling allows him to understand the complexities of a bike accident, and help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident, do not hesitate to get the help you deserve. Contact LifeLaw Personal Injury today for a free consultation and to discuss your options further.