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Bicyclists are considered part of the road, and that they must share the road with other motorists. Since this is so, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as the latter, especially when it comes to following traffic rules. But then, while bicyclists are able to pass through designated bike lanes, they often have to drive alongside larger vehicles.
For the most part, bicycles are just miniscule compared to larger vehicles. Establishing presence on the road is very important, especially for cyclists; without that, an accident involving a car and a bike may possibly occur. Such mishaps often result in injuries and even death, and a common reason for it is distracted driving, particularly on the part of the motorist.
Related statistics on bicycle accidents
Basically, bicycle accident fatalities only account for just about 2 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths. In fact, a total of 675 bicyclists were killed in 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
It is also alarming to know that the said figure was a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Overall, though, bicycle deaths have decreased by 33 percent since 1975, the year the NHTSA first compiled statistical data on motor vehicle accident injuries and deaths.
Safety tips on how to avoid a possible bicycle accident
Meanwhile, if you occasionally ride a bike, either for leisure or for school or work, then you should consider these safety tips so that you can avoid becoming a statistic:
• Take full control of your bike. Before taking your bike for a ride, it must first be properly-adjusted so that you can fully control it while traveling down the road. Since it is very necessary that you control your bike especially when traveling with other vehicles, you must never attempt to do so while you under the influence.
• Always wear your helmet. Majority of the injuries and deaths in bicycle accidents involve head trauma, which is why it is very important for you to wear a helmet. It is said that using your helmet reduces the risk of a head injury by about 85 percent. While most bicycle helmet laws in 21 states and Washington, D.C. only apply to young drivers, it is necessary that riders of all ages must wear them.
• Establish road presence. Drivers are not very much aware of whether or not there are bicycles moving past on either side of their vehicles. This is another reason why car-bicycle collisions happen. To avoid this, it is important for you, the bicyclist, to let your presence known to other motorist through making hand signals and driving on the direction of traffic. When driving at night, you must be able to wear any reflective clothing, as well as lights and reflectors installed on your bike.
What to do in case of an accident
However, if you ever get involved in an accident with a motorist, then it could be grounds for filing a personal injury claim, especially if you believe there was negligence. In this regard, you must not only seek medical attention if you have any minor or major injuries, but should also consider retaining the legal services of a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney.
For the most part, bicycles are just miniscule compared to larger vehicles. Establishing presence on the road is very important, especially for cyclists; without that, an accident involving a car and a bike may possibly occur. Such mishaps often result in injuries and even death, and a common reason for it is distracted driving, particularly on the part of the motorist.
Related statistics on bicycle accidents
Basically, bicycle accident fatalities only account for just about 2 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths. In fact, a total of 675 bicyclists were killed in 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
It is also alarming to know that the said figure was a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Overall, though, bicycle deaths have decreased by 33 percent since 1975, the year the NHTSA first compiled statistical data on motor vehicle accident injuries and deaths.
Safety tips on how to avoid a possible bicycle accident
Meanwhile, if you occasionally ride a bike, either for leisure or for school or work, then you should consider these safety tips so that you can avoid becoming a statistic:
• Take full control of your bike. Before taking your bike for a ride, it must first be properly-adjusted so that you can fully control it while traveling down the road. Since it is very necessary that you control your bike especially when traveling with other vehicles, you must never attempt to do so while you under the influence.
• Always wear your helmet. Majority of the injuries and deaths in bicycle accidents involve head trauma, which is why it is very important for you to wear a helmet. It is said that using your helmet reduces the risk of a head injury by about 85 percent. While most bicycle helmet laws in 21 states and Washington, D.C. only apply to young drivers, it is necessary that riders of all ages must wear them.
• Establish road presence. Drivers are not very much aware of whether or not there are bicycles moving past on either side of their vehicles. This is another reason why car-bicycle collisions happen. To avoid this, it is important for you, the bicyclist, to let your presence known to other motorist through making hand signals and driving on the direction of traffic. When driving at night, you must be able to wear any reflective clothing, as well as lights and reflectors installed on your bike.
What to do in case of an accident
However, if you ever get involved in an accident with a motorist, then it could be grounds for filing a personal injury claim, especially if you believe there was negligence. In this regard, you must not only seek medical attention if you have any minor or major injuries, but should also consider retaining the legal services of a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney.
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