Prevent Bicycle Injuries: Follow Safety Guideline
With summer approaching more people are dusting off their bicycles and riding bikes to work. A personal injury lawyer in Chicago will tell you that now is the time to review the safety rules for bicyclists.
Those who bicycle to work have specific safety considerations. Those who commute by bicycle are often traveling during rush hour. This is a busy time of day and drivers are impatient and anxious as traffic peaks. If you plan to commute to work on a bike during rush hour follow these safety considerations:
Plan a route - Research the route you want to take to work each day. Then stick to it. Drivers typically take the same route and will likely see you most days. This will make them more aware of your presence, which increases safety.
Avoid roads - Depending where you live you may have access to bike paths that you can utilize to travel to work. Bike paths are the safest places for cyclists so plan your route around them when possible.
Don’t forget safety equipment - Anytime you bike it is important to wear the proper safety accessories. Wearing a helmet, reflective or bright clothing, elbow and kneepads and a light for the evening commute are a must. It is also smart to have emergency supplies like a tool kit, bike pump and rain gear.
These tips will help keep a commuting cyclist safe during rush hour. There are additional rules that bicyclists of all ages should follow at all times of day.
- Never ride without a proper helmet.
- Avoid riding your bike at night. If you have no choice, use a light and wear bright or reflective clothing.
- Ride on quiet streets and stay off busy roads and highways.
- Adhere to the same instructions on signs and traffic lights as drivers.
- Learn and use bicyclist hand signs.
- Never assume what a driver is going to do next. Stay alert.
- Always ride with both hands engaged on the brakes.
- Look drivers in the eye to make sure you know they see you.
- Be weary of passing motor vehicles and never ride between two lanes of cars.
There are 4,000 bike accidents in Illinois each year. Many of these accidents could be prevented if bicyclists took the necessary safety precautions each time they ride. Bicycle safety rules should be taught to children at a young age. When going on a family bike ride in the neighborhood everyone should wear the proper safety equipment. Children learn by example and bicycle safety should be as mandatory as putting on a seatbelt when getting into a car.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident you will want to contact a bicycle accident attorney to discuss the options available to you. They can help you receive the compensation necessary to cover your medical bills and make up for any lost wages.
If you do not ride a bicycle but drive to work, remember to watch for bicyclists at all times. Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and avoid sudden movements such as swerving. Learn the hand signals used by bicyclists so that you can understand what they are telling you. When you anticipate sharing the road with bike riders you are less likely to be involved in a bicycle accident.
This guest blog post was provided by Abels & Annes, P.C. Personal injury lawyers in Chicago. We will fight for the compensation you deserve so you can relax and focus on recovering from your injuries and moving on with your life.
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