The Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Bicycle accidents can be devastating. As a bicyclist, the risk of injury in the case of an accident is high.
If you were involved in a bike accident, it’s important to hire a bike accident attorney to guide you through the claims process and help you get compensation for your injuries. However, it’s important to try to avoid those injuries in the first place.
Here are the most common bicycle accident injuries and how to avoid them.
The Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
According to the CDC, while bike trips only make up to 1% of transportation trips in the US, bicyclist deaths account for 2% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in the country. Older people and male cyclists are at a higher risk for death and injury, including the following common injuries:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Road rash
- Sprained ankles
- Joint and knee injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain damage
- Whiplash
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Cuts and bruises
- Spinal cord injuries
If you suffered any injury from a bike accident, contact an attorney to see how they can help. You may be able to get compensation for your medical bills as well as other damages, including lost wages, emotional pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
How To Avoid These Common Bicycle Injuries
So, how can you stay safe on the road and avoid these injuries? Here are some important safety tips to remember every time you get on your bike.
Always Wear a Helmet
A helmet is your first defense against concussions, brain damage, and head injuries. It will protect your skull from hard impacts. Indeed, it can save your life.
Ensure your helmet fits you correctly and is CPSC certified, which means it meets the proper safety requirements to protect you. If you got into an accident, and your helmet sustained damage, buy a new one.
Wear Other Safety Gear
While a helmet is critical for protection, you should also buy other safety gear to keep you safe. That includes knee and elbow pads and shin guards. If you can, bike with shoes instead of flip-flops or crocs, and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible to avoid road rash.
Make Yourself Visible at Night
Nighttime biking is particularly dangerous, as it’s harder for drivers to see you. Install a white light in the front of your bicycle and a red light on the rear to make yourself easier to see.
Furthermore, wear reflective clothing, such as a reflective vest. It’s also a good idea to wear fluorescent clothing, which will make you visible from a further distance not only at night but during the day as well.
Never Drink and Drive
Alcohol is a common factor in bicycle accidents. Laws regarding driving a bicycle while under the influence vary from state to state, but it’s always unsafe. Alcohol impairs your judgment and makes it harder to avoid dangers on the road.
Never Speed
Drive at a slow, responsible pace. While there’s a limit to how fast you can physically go on a bicycle, going too fast can make it hard to see cars pulling out of driveways in time or other hazards. Adjust your pace according to the road conditions. For example, go slower at night or when there is heavy traffic.
Maintain Your Bike
Always maintain your bicycle. Make sure the tires have enough air. Oil the chain often, and make sure there are no loose nuts or screws. Perform a pre-ride check to make sure the brakes work every time.
Keep Your Eyes Open
Finally, keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings. For example, when driving past a line of parked cars, watch out for people opening their doors to exit their vehicles. If it’s rainy and the road is slippery, watch out for oil spills.
Conclusion
Riding a bicycle has many health benefits. It’s a cheap and enjoyable form of transportation for many people as well. By wearing proper safety gear and being a responsible rider, you can avoid or minimize injuries in the case of an accident.
Email
