Bicycle accidents can lead to major consequences, such as catastrophic injuries or even death. If you survive with minor injuries, you may have to deal with property damage, which can be costly.
Although cycling to your destination is a popular activity for many Americans, it is very risky. Roughly 1000 cyclists die each year in the country, and there are more than 130,000 injuries.
However, there are ways to avoid bicycle accidents in Nevada. Let’s explore cycling crash prevention tips to help you stay safe on the roads.
1. Wear Safety Equipment
Investing in safety equipment is absolutely crucial if you are a serious cyclist. This prevents the possibility of incurring a serious injury, protecting you from financial losses and debilitating conditions.
Why would anyone risk not wearing a helmet if it could protect them from a traumatic brain injury?
Those who don’t wear basic safety equipment when riding their bicycles are more likely to get seriously affected in an accident. Cyclists should find a helmet that fits properly and always prioritize their safety when riding their bikes.
2. Maintain Your Bicycle’s Condition
Driving an old and beat-down bicycle increases the chances of getting in an accident. If the brakes do not work properly or the chains are rusty, you may fall and get injured.
You should also check your bicycle’s tires for any punctures, which can be inconvenient and affect the braking quality. Investing in maintenance is a necessary part of cycling long distances since it reduces the possibility of accidents. For example, you may need to get your bicycle gears professionally examined to ensure they are in working order.
Bicycles can also be fixed at home. You can easily find Youtube tutorials and follow the instructions to keep your bicycle in tip-top condition.
3. Follow the Rules of the Road
Commuting on a bicycle is a little complicated because there is more risk involved than driving a vehicle. This is because cyclists are exposed and much more likely to get seriously injured. Therefore, it stands to reason that cyclists should follow the rules of the road to maximize their safety and avoid bicycle accidents.
For example, cyclists must obey the traffic rules of the road. If there are stop signs, they must stop. If they are turning right or left, they must signal it to the vehicles behind them. As long as they follow these basic rules, they will minimize the chances of an accident occurring.
4. Be Mindful of the Environment
Bicycles need to be vigilant when commuting long distances. Cycling while being distracted is a recipe for disaster since it can affect your reaction times. There may be potholes in the way or tripping hazards that might lead to painful falls.
You may not notice incoming vehicles if you are preoccupied with other thoughts and not paying attention to the road. Being mindful is a requirement if you wish to prevent accidents and protect yourself and others from potential injury.
5. Learn About Safety Rules
Most cyclists do not spend time learning about safety rules that could prevent an injury or accident. If you do not take the necessary courses to educate yourself on safety techniques and emergency maneuvers, you might get seriously injured.
Cyclists also need to learn about communicating optimally on the road by making eye contact and using hand signals. Wearing protective equipment is mandatory and prevents injury due to mechanical failures.
Some people prefer taking safety courses in person. Others can get their education online and memorize the material to know exactly what to do on the road. When you are knowledgeable about a topic, you feel more confident and can ride your bike effortlessly on the road.
6. Do Not Approach Car Doors
One of the most common bicycle accidents occur when they collide with a car door. Cyclists should always maintain some distance away from vehicle doors to prevent a collision from occurring.
Anticipating an opening car door is a crucial reflex all cyclists must develop. They should always strive to steer clear of parked vehicles and stay focused at all times when riding their bikes.
Contact Bourassa Law Group for a Bicycle Accident
If you’ve injured yourself in a bicycle accident, you should hire the best bicycle accident attorneys in Nevada. Sometimes you cannot prevent an accident from occurring, so you should find the most competent lawyer to help you with your case.
Bourassa Law Group has a team of dedicated lawyers who deal with bicycle accidents. You can contact them for a free consultation at (800)870-8910.
1-800-870-8910