|
Tips for Bicycle Riders: Ways on Avoiding Accidents |
Article Submitted by: Mesriani Law Group
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
|
In a study conducted by the US Department of Transportation (DOT), approximately 33,000 Americans die in traffic-related accidents every year. Out of this number, nearly 17 percent of them are bicycle riders. In addition, more than 500,000 people are treated in hospitals and clinics for bike accidents every year, with 60 percent of them aged 15 years and younger. With the result of these surveys, safety experts believe that cruiser bike riders are one of the most vulnerable road users in the country. However, experts believe that people can make their ride safer by following these tips. • Light up Headlights and rear lights are very important especially during the night. According to safety experts, people should buy LED lights which last 10 times longer than a set of batteries used by ordinary headlights. • Avoid busy roads Some bicyclists travel on the same route they used when driving their cars. While motorists have the right to use most US roads, they should realize that it is better to use streets in residential areas or places which have slower cars. • As much as possible, use the whole lane In defensive bicycling, it is safer to use the whole lane than traveling on the extreme edge of the road. Here are the reasons why: 1.) This prevents other cars from passing too closely from a bicyclist. 2.) This allows other motorists to see a rider. 3.) This prevents a rider from hitting an open door from a car. • Don't use the sidewalk, it's for the pedestrians Many people use the sidewalk thinking that this is safer. However, head-on collisions are very common here since some motorbike riders also use this thinking that doing so will be safer. • Use signals Bicyclists are less likely to get hit when they use hand signals that will allow other motorists to know their next move. However, it is important to check the mirror or look behind before making a hand signal (to avoid being hit by a passing car). • Never use music players and mobile phones Bikers should have 100 percent of their focus on the road to avoid crashes caused by "distracted driving". According to the US National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), "distracted driving" accounted for nearly 25 percent of all the traffic accidents in the US. • Use helmet and body protection According to NHTSA website, riders without helmets are 40 percent more likely to suffer from fatal head injury and 15 percent from nonfatal head injury compared to those who are wearing a head protection. • Get off the bike when crossing a pedestrian lane Get off the bike and push it when crossing a pedestrian lane. According to Los Angeles lawyers, a person may not be able to file a lawsuit against a driver if a court finds that he was riding his bike while crossing. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
To help you deal with issues involved in a motorcycle accident, consult with our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers. Visit our website and avail of our free case evaluation.
To help you deal with issues involved in a motorcycle accident, consult with our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers. Visit our website and avail of our free case evaluation.
You are welcome to publish this article free of charge on your website, newsletter, or e-zine, provided:
- You don't change the article in any way
- You include the entire article, including the "about the author" box
- All hyperlinks must remain intact, including email addresses, and the link to ArticleBlast.com at the bottom
- In doing so you agree to indemnify the article's author, and ArticleBlast.com and its directors, officers, employees and agents from and against all losses, claims, damages and liabilities which arise out of its use
- It is also recommended that you provide a courtesy copy of your publication to the author of the article
