From feeling the wind against your skin to experimenting on new routes, biking is an experience unlike many other. After putting several fulfilling miles into your bicycle, you might feel invincible. But, unfortunately, anyone riding, driving or walking on a road can fall victim to an accident.
Since you are less protected than larger vehicles, motorists should, in theory, take careful measures to look out for you. However, there are still safety measures you can take to help prevent a minor or fatal crash.
Wear a helmet
Although state law doesn’t require riders over the age of 18 to wear a helmet, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. While travelling at a slow pace on a nature path, you might be able to catch yourself and not fall on your head. But if you’re travelling faster and are amongst vehicles much larger than you, you might not be as lucky.
When bikers get the wind knocked out of them by a car, this can result in injuries, from bumps and bruises to broken bones. And if you hit your head, you risk getting a brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries that often result in personal injury accidents can have affect your physical well-being immediately and in years to come. As such, it’s crucial to take obvious steps to reduce a head injury, like wearing a helmet.
Install lights and reflective elements
Bicyclists who cruise or commute at night must have a headlight and reflective elements on the front and bike of their ride in California. Not noticing a car without headlights on at night until it comes every close to you is probably something you’ve experienced before. Sometimes cars come dangerously close in this scenario and collide. So, as a biker it’s a good practice to do all you can to increase your visibility.
Use designated lanes
Riding your bike in places car drivers expect to see you is another way you can make sure you are as visible as possible. This can include driving in designated bike lanes wherever they are available.
Also, since it is legal and often your only option to ride on the road, there are two tactics to keep in mind while doing so. First off, you should ride the same direction as cars are travelling. And, secondly, you should stay as close to the side of the road as you can. When you ride with and not against the traffic flow, a car can pass you with more ease.
Sometimes bikers follow all laws and precautions and still become injured from accidental or careless actions of a motorist. When this happens, personal injury attorneys can help victims recover damages.