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 even eyeing all-electric engines for the future.
If you are a bike rider, you are already ahead of the curve when it comes to the environment and your personal responsibility for the climate. But where does this leave you in terms of your own safety on the road?
Every year in California over 10,000 bike riders are injured and over 100 are killed. And these were the people riding around, just like you, trying to reach their jobs or their loved ones at home. When bike riders are struck down, it is a relatively subtle event on the road. There is far more focus on truck and car drivers and even pedestrians than on cyclists. But it is an event that will have a huge impact on your life.
That is why we want to take a moment here and focus on the vulnerable commuters out there; those who bike. There are things to keep in mind to avoid trouble, and the resources out there to help you in the event of an accident.
Safety for Bike Riders
Respect Traffic Guidelines
Use bike lanes whenever possible, there is a wealth of them in California. If that is not an option, make sure you can follow the normal rules of traffic. You should be stopping at red lights and stop signs. Try not to be overly hesitant, but stay defensive. Cars are less likely to see you than other drivers on the road.
Stay Safe and Visible
Wearing flashing lights, reflective tape or a combination of these markings on your bicycle is a great start, especially at night. You may want to also wear a neon or light-up vest. Wearing a helmet is not required by law in California for those under 18. The best advice is to wear one anyway. Going without a helmet is a fast way to turn an accident into a fatality. Invest in a model with good coverage that has a high safety rating.
Keep your Bike Well-Maintained
It’s less obvious than when you own a car, but a bike must be kept running, oiled, and in good repair. Have your brakes tested at your first sign of any slipping, and look out for any degradation of the handlebars, especially if you rest your weight on them. For your own convenience, you may want to travel with a tire repair kit. That way you won’t find yourself stranded, especially at night.
Dealing with Accidents
If the worst does occur, and you do find yourself in an accident, make sure to seek medical attention immediately. Ask someone for help if you are unable to make a call on your own. If you are able, note any details of the other bikers or drivers and ask for any contact information from witnesses around you. You should also get in touch with a trusted attorney to go over your rights and best interests.
blogs
Statute of Limitations and Personal Injury
For many of us, when a personal injury occurs there can be a lot of mixed feelings. Some people may feel guilty that they got injured, even when the blame lies with someone else. The first concerns you will obviously have will be about your health and safety. You may not even be considering what […]
Understanding California’s Lemon Law
Under California’s Lemon Law, you are protected as a consumer when a vehicle you have purchased is deemed defective and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of repair attempts. This helps keeps dangerous vehicles off the road, leads you with legal recourse if you are sold a faulty vehicle, and helps get you back […]
Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles as a mode of transportation are inherently moredangerous than others. Because of this, motorcycle drivers have an extra onus on them to be the safest drivers possible. Many motorcycle accidents are caused due to careless motorcycle driving, and while you may think you’re one of the safe ones, anyone can be caught off guard. […]
What to Look for When Hiring an Attorney
In Arizona and California, two big car cultures on the grow, you’re statistically more likely to be involved in some sort of motor vehicle accident or have some other legal concerns surrounding your automobile. Other injuries, like dog bites and slip and falls, are all-too common, and can be difficult to navigate with some kind […]
Five Types of Truck Accidents
Trucks are paramount to our country’s economy. Over 15 million trucks move across the country, transporting consumer goods from one state to another every day. But despite their essential place in our society, trucks are pretty dangerous and pose a high risk to every road user. It pays to know the different types of accidents […]
Five Pedestrian Accident Facts
Some numbers have Arizona as the most dangerous state in the U.S. when it comes to pedestrians. They are in the most danger by simply being outnumbered, which means accidents are likely to rise as the number of automobiles on the road continues to rise. It is important for you to not only understand how […]
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating and freeing. It also can be quite dangerous. Equip yourself with preparedness to ensure every trip you take ends only with a smile and a safe arrival. As always, if the unfortunate does happen, navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is a large undertaking. We are here to help […]
Five Tips for Summer Road Trip Safety
Summer time means warmer weather, and that means road trip time. Whether you’re heading down the street or across the country, there’s always a potential obstacle waiting for you. There’s no reason not to put together a safety checklist, and practice safe driving habits before everything gets crazy. For proper road safety, you’ll want to […]
Ridesharing Services May Help Lower Drunk Driving Accidents
Research has been done in Chicago showing a correlation between ridesharing and drunk driving incidents. The study looks at the relationship between rideshare participants on the road and accidents over about a year’s time. It is no secret that drunk driving leads to catastrophic damages and injury on a regular basis in America. If you […]
Personal Injury Lawyers: Myths and Misconceptions
Every year, millions of people are injured across the U.S. However, most of them survive. Although you might suffer from long-term or serious injuries, the fact is, if it was because of someone else’s fault or negligence, you are entitled to compensation. Besides being compensated for your medical bills or wages, there are several myths […]
contact form
