Bicycling should be a safe and fun activity. You get to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and even save money on gas. Unfortunately, bicyclists are at a high risk for automobile collisions. In the United States each year, 2 percent of all automobile accident fatalities are bicyclists (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Grim statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention further illustrate the problem. Over 900 bicyclists were killed and 494,000 were injured in 2013 due to traffic collisions.
Our auto accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured bicyclists reclaim their lives after an accident.
- Make Yourself Visible
“A lot of accidents occur simply because bicyclists are so difficult to see,” Mike Wyatt says, auto accident attorney. “Never ride against the flow of traffic. Keep in the right lane and ride in the same direction as other motor vehicles. Use the bicycle lane if one is available. Wear bright colors or reflective tape whether you’re riding in the daytime, dawn, or dusk. When riding at night, make sure there are reflectors or flashing lights positioned on the front, back, and tires of your bicycle.” - Wear a Helmet
Since head injuries are a leading cause of death in such accidents, the best thing bicyclists can do is to wear a helmet. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, wearing a properly fitted helmet reduces head injuries by 50 percent and face/neck injuries by 33 percent. Before going on a ride, you should also make sure your brakes are working and that both tires are properly inflated. - Follow All Road Rules
“Bicycles are classified as vehicles, which means bicyclists have the same responsibilities as other motorists,” Scott Mann explains, auto accident attorney. “In order to increase safety, bicyclists must obey all traffic signals, signs, and lane markings. Come to complete stops at stop signs, and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. You also shouldn’t weave in and out of traffic. Ride in a straight line, look before turning, and let other motorists know by signaling left or right.”
If you are a bicyclist and have been wrongfully injured in an auto accident, Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys want to help. Contact our auto accident attorneys today for a consultation.
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