As a bicyclist, you understand that there are safety hazards everywhere. For that reason, it’s imperative that you take as many steps as you can to protect yourself.
This starts with a clear vision of what type of trouble you could face, as this gives you more confident in your ability to prevent an accident.
Here are some of the many things you should worry about:
- Reckless drivers: You know the type. They yell at you when you attempt to share the road. They don’t follow the rules of the road, such as stopping at red lights. They speed past you and honk their horn. You can’t do anything to stop these drivers from acting out of line, so the best thing you can do is keep an eye on them.
- Road debris: This can include everything from trash to animal carcasses to garbage cans. Keep your eyes on the road ahead, looking for anything that could cause you to make a split second decision.
- Pedestrians: When driving in close proximity to pedestrians, such as in a city setting, you must consider the fact that they could do something that puts you at risk. For instance, if a pedestrian suddenly bursts from the sidewalk, you should have a clear idea of how you’ll try to avoid them.
- Opening doors: Moving vehicles aren’t the only ones that put you at risk of an accident. Parked vehicles are just as dangerous, as someone could open their door into your lane of travel. This often forces you to make an immediate decision. Even if you’re unable to swerve to avoid the door, you could lose control of your bicycle.
You don’t want these potential safety hazards to stop you from riding your bicycle. However, you must take them into consideration, as your safety and well-being is at risk.
Should you suffer an injury in a bicycle-car accident, stay where you are, assess your injuries and call 911 for help. Your top priority is receiving immediate care. Only after you do that will you have the time to revisit the accident and consider your legal rights.
