Safety Tips to Avoid Bicycle Accidents
Spring has arrived in New York and that
means many people will break out their bicycles. I know I will. I
enjoy riding for both pleasure and to keep in shape and, each
summer, my husband and I ride our bicycles to Cape Cod, taking four
days to stop along the way in Port Jefferson, Mystic and Newport.
While I could extol the many pleasures
and virtues of bike riding, the personal injury lawyer in me wants
to offer some words of caution. For all the joy I have received from
riding, I also know the dangers as I was once hit by a car while
riding near my house and suffered a concussion and injured shoulder.
I have handled multiple bicycle accident case as well as cases
involving skateboards and scooters so I know all too well what can
go wrong.
A Bicycle Helmet
Can Save Your Life; It Saved Mine
A bicycle helmet saved me so I feel
compelled to remind people to wear bicycle helmets at all times.
Don’t tell me about how funny it looks or how it messes your hair,
your life could depend upon wearing a bicycle helmet, mine did. You
(and your children) should always wear a properly fitted bicycle
helmet while riding a bicycle. For that matter, a rider needs a good
helmet when on a skateboard, roller blades, skates or a scooter.
The helmet should fit comfortably and
snugly. A good bicycle shop (Cycles
Plus in Huntington is a favorite of mine) can help you pick out
a good helmet and make sure it fits right. Make sure that your
helmet has a label documenting that it meets
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. You will
need to replace a helmet over five years old as it loses its
resistance. The investment in a helmet can protect you in an
accident or a fall.
Other Bicycle
Safety Tips to Remember
New York State Law considers a bicycle as
a vehicle so you need to obey all traffic laws. Here are some
highlights that can help you avoid a bicycle accident:
- Ride on the right side of the road
with traffic.
- Many roads now have bike lanes; make
sure to use them.
- Obey all traffic signals, including
stopping at all stop signs.
- Make sure to wear bright, highly
visible clothing.
- Avoid riding at night or at dusk. If
you must, make sure your bicycle has reflectors, wear reflectors
and make sure your bicycle has a light.
- When in doubt, yield to a car or
truck. You may be right, but that’s a multi-ton vehicle that can
kill you.
Drivers Need to
Watch Out Too
With more bicycles on the road, drivers
need to take precautions too. Keep an eye out for bicyclists. Give
them some room on the road. Don’t squeeze past a cyclist as that can
cause an accident. In residential areas, be particularly vigilant
for children riding bicycles that they may not control very well.
Bike Riding is Fun
Please don’t let these warnings and
safety precautions take the fun out of bike riding. It’s a great
sport and a great pastime. Riding safe means you can ride for many
years to come.
This information is intended for education purposes. It is not legal advice. If you want legal advice, you should consult with an attorney.
Carol L. Schlitt - A New York Personal Injury Attorney
I hope you found this information helpful. Please call or email me if you have comments, questions or would like assistance with a bicycle accident case.
Carol L. Schlitt
New York Personal Injury Attorney
1-800-660-1466
Carol@SchlittLaw.com.