Accidents are bound to happen as more and more bicycles take to the roads long dominated by car traffic. But even with increased traffic, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 12 percent fewer cyclist fatalities from 2008 to 2009, from 718 deaths to 630, according to Bikesbelong.org.
Besides using a helmet, staying safe on a bike requires cyclists to enhance visibility with a headlight, tail light and reflective clothing and stay in the flow of traffic and off the curbs and sidewalks. Like drivers, cyclists must also be defensive, which means avoiding blind spots, checking the rear-view mirror and keeping speed in check.According to Bicyclesafe.com, certain traffic situations often lead to bicycle accidents. Those to avoid include:
· A car pulls out from the side and hits you. To avoid an accident, position yourself in the main lane of traffic rather than close to the curb. A car at the intersection ahead of you is more likely to hit you than a car behind you. It all comes down to visibility.
- A driver in a parked car opens the door and you run into it. To avoid this, ride outside the arc of the door. Again, even though you're out in traffic, you're visible to drivers behind you.
- You're riding on the sidewalk, crossing the street at a crosswalk and a turning car hits you. Besides improving visibility, your best bet is to avoid sidewalk riding, which studies show to be more dangerous than road riding.
- You're cycling against traffic and a car turns into you. The rule here is to always travel with the flow of traffic. Studies show that wrong-way riding is hazardous and statistics bear that out nearly one-fourth of crashes involve cyclists riding the wrong way.
- You stop alongside a car waiting at a red light. When the light changes, you go forward and they turn into you. To avoid this, stay out of the car's blind spot. Stop where drivers can see you.
- · A car passes you quickly and then suddenly turns directly in front of you. To avoid this accident, move over to take up adequate lane space and check for turning traffic as you approach the intersection.
- You're passing a slow-moving car on the right when it unexpectedly turns into you. The rule to remember is, don't pass on the right. Pass only on the left when it's safe.
- You move left around a parked car and a car hits you from behind. To avoid this, maintain a steady, straight line in the traffic lane and don't swerve.
Obeying traffic rules and following safe riding tips can help bicyclists avoid being involved in an accident. However, even when a bicyclist is as diligent as possible, accidents still occur and serious injuries are often the result in a bike versus car crash. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options for recovery.
