Since 2014, in Los Angeles, more than 180 bicyclists lost their lives when colliding with motor vehicles in and around Los Angeles. More than 50,000 bicyclists suffer serious injuries in such collisions nationally. Understanding some basic bike safety might help you better avoid accidents in the future.
As bicycles increase in daily use for Americans, it is incumbent on bike riders to not just know their rights, but how to be a part of the traveling ecosystem, along with motor vehicles and pedestrians. Bicycle riders have the same responsibilities as motor vehicles, as well as the same rights. Making safer choices is always an option when riding a bike.
Most bicycling deaths occur, statistically, between 6 and 9 PM, and more often in urban areas. One in four fatal bicycle crashes in the year 2019 involved an inebriated cyclist (one who had been drinking alcohol). A few tips to ride safely:
Helmets might seem an obvious choice, but many people forego them for personal reasons, putting them at risk of severe injury or even death in an accident. Most important about a bike helmet is that it should fit you – the better it fits, the more it can protect you. Sizes can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so be sure to assess your proper size before buying one.
Driving defensively is just as it sounds – staying alert and focused so that you can be the first person to avoid or pull yourself away from an accident. Anticipating the moves of those around you is key – other bikers, motor vehicles, pedestrians, animals, faulty roads – there are countless potential obstacles on the road for bicycles. A few good general guidelines:
If you’re just learning how to ride a bike, or even if you want to up your skill level, driving in a park or somewhere else away from traffic can help. There may also be classes you can take to get better and safer at riding a bike.
Bicycles are often an afterthought for distracted drivers. They don’t think about them until they see them, which is often too late. As a bike rider, it’s your job to stay alert and keep yourself and those around you safe.
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Bicycle Safety in California
In a lot of ways, California is known as the driving capital of America, if not the world. Where else are so many people absolutely defined by their vehicles, their routes to work, and even their carbon footprint for transportation? The state requires some of the most stringent emission requirements across the nation and is […]
What You Need to Know about Pain and Suffering in a Personal Injury Case
After a personal injury, you’re typically entitled to claim compensation for two types of damages; economic and non-economic. Economic damages are usually easy to quantify, and commonly include medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages on the other hand are difficult to measure, and often include pain and suffering. But what exactly is pain and […]
Great Motorcycle Roads in Arizona
There’s no freer way to see the great state of Arizona than to travel it by motorcycle. Being one of the last gateways to the West Coast, our streets are manifold, so your options are virtually endless. Whether you’re touring to see the mountains, the wildlife, the succulents or other plants, or just visit towns […]
5 Things to Avoid After a Car Accident in California
After an auto accident in California, you’ll get all sorts of advice on what to do next. Some people will advise you to contact the police, exchange driver information, talk witnesses into giving their statement, call 911, and many other tips. While they’re all looking out for you, rarely does anyone tell you what not […]
Tips for Pedestrian Safety
We all know that walking to work is good for your health. The benefits of fresh air, increased heart rate, and the relaxing effects of movement are well documented. It’s healthy to walk anywhere! But, what about the risks? When you hear medical advice, suggesting that you walk more, you rarely hear about the dangers […]
Safest Cars for 2022
If you are in the market for a new car, there are a lot of things on your mind. Besides cost and value, there is also style, reliability, and size to consider. But, above all, the most important thing should really always be safe when it comes to buying a new car. There are a […]
Slip and Falls in Private Homes
Slips and falls are serious anywhere, but if you concentrate just on occurrences in private homes, an arresting statistic jumps out right away- falls are responsible for 50% of all accidental deaths in the home. Let’s take a look at two of the top causes of a slip and fall in a private home. We […]
Bicycle Safety Tips
Bicycling might be the true essence of freedom in transportation. No dependence on anyone to get around except yourself, no motor to make you drive out of control, and you can park your bike just about anywhere. Still, safety while riding a bicycle is just as important as with any other mode of transportation, especially […]
Four Medical Alert and Slip and Fall Apps
Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately rather common in the US. The part that many people often miss when discussing slip and fall accidents, though, is that it is not just the elderly who suffer from them. Anyone of any age can have an accident, and people of all walks of life may have chronic […]
Apps for Increased Rideshare Safety
Rideshares can be fun and convenient, but if you’re putting your life in the hands of a stranger by taking a rideshare, you’ll want to feel safe. No one wants to be put in a situation where they feel unsafe or lost, or where they might end up in a ridesharingaccident. Here are some apps […]
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