3 Ways to Avoid Bicycle Accidents

When it comes to cycling, safety should always be a top priority. Unfortunately, many cyclists find themselves in potentially dangerous situations on a regular basis. Whether it’s trying to navigate heavy traffic or sharing the road with drivers who aren’t paying attention, there are countless potential hazards that can put cyclists at risk of an accident. To avoid these dangers and prevent experiencing an unpleasant or painful bicycle accident, it is essential to exercise caution whenever you are riding your bike.

Be Visible

If you want to avoid getting hit by a car, you need to make sure that drivers can see you. When cycling, it is essential to be visible to other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists on the road. Not only does this help to keep you safe in the event of an accident, but it also allows you to signal your intentions and control the flow of traffic around you.

There are numerous ways that cyclists can make themselves more visible on the road. For example, many riders choose brightly colored clothing or reflective gear that allows them to stand out amidst the sea of cars and other cyclists. Additionally, cyclists should be sure to signal their turns and check blind spots with hand signals to prevent collisions with other vehicles.

Wear a Helmet

Cycling comes with its own set of unique risks. Without the right safety gear, you are at risk of serious injuries in the event that you are involved in an accident. One of the most important pieces of safety gear to always have on hand when riding your bike is a helmet. A helmet can help protect your head from serious impact in the event that you collide with a hard object or another cyclist. Additionally, helmets have been shown to help reduce the symptoms of concussion and other brain injuries following an impact, making them essential for anyone who cycles regularly.

There’s no law in most states mandating that adults wear helmets while cycling, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. A helmet could save your life if you’re involved in an accident. Make sure that the helmet you choose fits properly and is rated for cycling.

Avoid Arterial Roads

Arterial roads are the ones with heavy traffic flow and fast-moving traffic. They’re not generally conducive to safe cycling. If you can help it, stick to side streets and bike paths where there are fewer cars and lower speed limits. These highly trafficked roads tend to have high speeds and lots of competing traffic, creating a dangerous environment for cyclists.

Additionally, contact with cars often results in major injuries or even death. In order to stay safe while cycling on the roads, it is best to seek out low-speed local streets and cycle paths whenever possible. For those situations when you must use an arterial road, be sure to keep an eye out for potential dangers and always follow all traffic laws. If you do find yourself in an accident with a car, contact experienced bike crash lawyers right away so that they can help you navigate the legal process and pursue full compensation for your injuries.

Even if you follow all of the above tips, there’s no guarantee that you won’t get hit by a car. The best way to protect yourself is to always assume that drivers can’t see you and ride accordingly. Ride defensively and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.