5 Safety Tips for Cyclists
In states like South Carolina, where the weather is fairly temperate year-round, motorists can expect to see cyclists riding on the road beside them often. Although there are a lot of advantages of pedaling whenever you can, there is one major drawback, and that’s the risk of serious injury should a collision occur.
Accidents between motor vehicles and bicycles are almost always devastating for the cyclist involved because bikes provide no protection upon impact. According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center , 818 cyclists died following crashes with cars in 2015.
Although conscientious bikers can make it a point to avoid causing collisions, they have no control over the motorists around them and thus could still end up in a devastating accident. If you were hurt in a car crash while riding your bike, contact Churdar Law Firm.
Doug Churdar will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the collision to determine if you may be eligible for compensation to cover costs like medical bills and lost wages. Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney in Greenville.
Read on to learn how you can reduce the risk of sustaining serious injuries in a catastrophic crash as a cyclist:
- Steer Clear of Car Doors
Whenever you are riding beside a row of parked cars, always assume every door will open. People in passenger vehicles might glance in their rearview mirror for any approaching cars before stepping out onto the street, but they rarely check for cyclists, so it is up to you to leave plenty of room between you and them.
- Use Exaggerated Hand Signals
If you must turn or stop, alert the motorists around you by using the standard hand signals. Exaggerate your gestures so there is no question as to your next move, and try to make eye contact whenever possible.
- Do Your Research
Familiarize yourself with all relevant traffic laws and cycling rules. Motorists are much more likely to grant right of way to cyclists when they are following local laws while still riding defensively.
- Wear a Helmet
In certain scenarios, a quality helmet could mean the difference between getting a few scrapes and sustaining serious head trauma. Always wear sufficient safety gear when riding in traffic so if you do end up in a collision, you have some level of protection.
- Maintain Your Bicycle
Bicycles require tune-ups just like cars. Make sure your brakes are in good working order before hitting the road, and bring your bike to the local bike shop for periodic maintenance as needed.
Sadly, you can follow all the tips listed above and still end up in a bike accident that causes serious injuries. If you were hurt in a collision with a drunk or distracted driver, contact Upstate Lawyer.
Mr. Churdar takes great pleasure in helping people set their lives in order after devastating crashes. Call 864-233-0203 to schedule a case evaluation with a car accident lawyer in Greenville. If you want to learn more about personal injury claims in South Carolina, visit USAttorneys.com.
