When you are on a bike, whether it’s for fun or to get to work, you are at risk for a bike accident. However, it is possible to prevent one. Here are some tips.
Distracted drivers
Distracted drivers are at the heart of many bicycle accidents. Their negligence may lead to the worst possible outcome. These crashes can result in traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other life altering injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the federal agency responsible for monitoring and tracking distracted driving. One study found that texting while driving increases a crash’s probability by twofold.
A related study found that the number of text messages sent each month in the United States is about 100 billion. While this might not seem like much, it can be a significant cause of distraction.
Bicyclists are also at a higher risk of distraction-related traffic crashes than motor vehicle drivers. This is because bicyclists generally circulate at low speeds. In addition, cyclists have less visibility than motor vehicles.
Preventing accidents
Bicycling is a popular form of exercise, but it’s also a risky pastime. Bicycle accidents are common and can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting into an accident.
Wearing a helmet is a great start. In fact, wearing a helmet might be the best way to prevent a bike accident. Having one on your bike can reduce your chance of sustaining a head injury, which is the number one cause of death for cyclists.
Taking the time to understand your surroundings can also help avoid an accident. For instance, you might find that you’re going too fast for the conditions. Rather than attempting to correct your speed, you can simply slow down. If you’re riding at night, bright lights might be worth a try.
Injuries to the head
Head injuries are common in bicycle accidents. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you should know your rights and how to handle them.
There are several different kinds of injuries to the head, including open and closed. Open skull fractures, depressed skull fractures, basal skull fractures, and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (TSAH) are all possible. The severity of the injury is determined by the amount of force.
Traumatic brain injuries can be life-threatening. They are caused by a blunt blow to the head or by the crash of a vehicle. This can damage neurons and blood vessels. It can also affect the brain’s ability to send and receive information.
Some of the symptoms of a head injury include confusion, dizziness, headache, and vomiting. It may take two to three days for the symptoms to appear. You should seek medical attention immediately if you think you are suffering from a head injury.
Getting your side of the story into the accident report
After an accident, you may be asked to provide your side of the story for the police report. This is important because the report is often used by insurance companies to determine liability. If the accident is your fault, your insurance company will decide if you can receive compensation.
A police report is also useful as evidence in an accident lawsuit. Some cities allow you to request copies online. You can also contact the traffic division of your local law enforcement to request a copy.
The report can include information about the drivers, passengers, and witnesses. It can also contain photos of the scene. Photos are particularly useful for insurance claims. They can show the mechanics of the accident and the extent of the damage.
It is best to have your side of the story put in the police report as soon as possible. You should never leave the scene of the accident before a police officer has taken his report.
Avoiding legal pitfalls
If you’re planning on getting around town on two wheels, you may want to consider a few things. Aside from having a safe and sound place to stash your belongings, you’ll need to keep in mind some safety and legal guidelines. For instance, you should never ignore the road ahead of you. It is also a good idea to remember to stop at red lights. Not only is this an obvious courtesy, it can save you from a tangled mess.
While you’re at it, it’s a good idea to remember to wear your helmet at all times. And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to take note of any pedestrians or cyclists who make you nervous. Also, don’t hesitate to take out your cellphone. This is especially true when it comes to taking pictures.
