Springtime is in the air in New England and many people are beginning to ride their bicycles again. When sharing the road, as a bicyclist or a driver, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take extra precautions to prevent injury.

The Risks

Over 80 million bikers share the road with motor vehicles. The hazards of driving a bike in the same area as motor vehicles are obvious; the effect of a motor vehicle hitting a bicyclist can result in serious injury and even death. In 2015, over 400,000 people were treated in the emergency room for a bike related injury and over 1,000 of those accidents were fatal. Bike safety should not be taken lightly. It is very important both bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers understand the rules of the road and use necessary precautions to keep each other safe.

Bicyclists

Be Prepared

Don’t ride anywhere that will be too difficult for your skillset. Swerving or walking your bike can increase your chance of a collision with a vehicle. It is also important that you are using a bike that is suitable for you so that you do not get distracted trying to shift gears or maintain speed. Finally, it is vital that you bring the necessary supplies with you on your trip. Always wear a helmet and wear bright and reflective clothing so that you can be spotted by traffic.

Obey the Traffic Laws

Bike operators are considered drivers on the road, therefore you ride with traffic. This also means that you must follow all traffic laws that motor vehicles are responsible to follow such as street signs, signals, and road markings.

Be Seen

Avoid being hidden from traffic. Do not swerve in and out of traffic and avoid driving in blind spots. If you must drive at night, it is necessary to wear reflective gear at night so that traffic can see you.

Drivers

It is important that drivers take safety precautions to avoid accidents while sharing the road. This means staying alert and focused on driving and expecting bicyclists on the road. Give bikers room and slow down while passing. Finally, while turning, be sure to look left-right-left and check your blind spots to avoid hitting bikers.

Bicycle Accidents

When injured in a bicycle accident in Providence, Boston, Fall River, Hartford, or New Haven, you need a lawyer who can help you now. Bicycle accidents can have major consequences. Even a minor accident can leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, not to mention a damaged or destroyed bicycle.

Our attorneys handle bicycle accidents in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.  We will guide you through the process and get you the full compensation you deserve as quickly as possible and often without going to court. Never deal with the insurance companies on your own. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help.

About Rob Levine & Associates

Rob Levine and Associates are personal injury attorneys who help individuals  who help the injured and disabled.  The firm practices law and services Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut on injury cases.  Rob Levine and Associates also handles social security disability and veteran’s disability cases on a regional and national level as well. Our team is available 24/7 to help you. Contact us at 800-742-3940 or visit our website for more information.

Resource: NHTSA