Maryland Bike Accident Injury Lawyers

Bicycling Safety Tips

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does a study each year to determine how many bicycle accidents, injuries and deaths occur in the United States. In 2008, 716 bicyclists died and 52,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic collisions in the Unites States. Most accidents happened at intersections (64 percent) and in urban areas (69 percent). Drivers either have a harder time seeing bicyclists because they are smaller than other vehicles, or they are simply not looking for them. Distracted and negligent drivers are a real hazard to bicyclists.

There are a number of steps you can take to help lessen your injuries or to prevent an accident altogether.

Wear a helmet

Just as drivers are always told to wear a seatbelt, bicycle riders should always wear a helmet. A helmet is the single best way to lessen or prevent serious injuries from a biking accident. Head injuries accounted for over 62 percent of biking fatalities. Yet, the U.S government conducted a Gallup poll and discovered that half of all bicyclists wear a helmet sometimes and only 35 percent of riders wear a helmet most of the time. Be safe, ALWAYS wear a helmet.

Get a headlight

If you ride at night, you should definitely get a headlight for your bicycle. When you are near an intersection, oncoming traffic may not see you. If you have a headlight, there is a much greater chance you will be spotted.

Ride with traffic

Common wisdom may tell you to ride against traffic so that you can see oncoming vehicles. This is dangerous. Cars pulling out of driveways or turning onto the street may not look both ways for traffic. They are probably only watching for cars that will impede their ability to enter traffic. Once their way is clear they will turn, perhaps without looking the other way, and you could get hit. Also, if a car hits you head on, the speed of the collision will be greater. Some studies suggest your risk of being hit is seven times greater if you are riding against traffic.

Don't stop in a blind spot

If you pull up alongside a car at an intersection, make sure they can see you. If the car is expecting to turn right and doesn't see you, you run the risk of being hit when the light changes or the car chooses to turn on red. At an intersection it is much safer to ride behind a car.

Make yourself seen

Consider wearing a reflective vest or a safety triangle. Reflective gear can make you more visible during the night or during the day. You can never been too careful when on the road. Be careful if choosing to ride on sidewalks. Often cars may not be able to see you when you cross the road if you are entering from the sidewalk. A rear light is also a worthwhile purchase.

Bicycle riding is a healthy and environmentally safe way to travel. However, if you do not take these safety precautions, it can also be dangerous. Please use caution whenever taking to the street. If you or a loved one is hit by a motor vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation. The Bethesda Maryland bicycle accident lawyers at Alpert Schreyer help protect the rights of bicyclists in and around Maryland. We will provide you with a free consultation. Simply call 866-444-6363 and we will review your case and potential injury claim.

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