Riding a bicycle is great exercise and a cost-effective method of transportation,
but, unfortunately, cyclists are at risk of injury when they share the
road with negligent drivers. However, there are certain steps you can
take to protect yourself and help prevent
bicycle accidents.
How to Protect Yourself While Biking
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Wear a helmet every time you ride – When riding a bicycle, there is very little to protect you from
injury in the event of a crash. It is especially important that you wear
a helmet to make sure that your head is protected as much as possible.
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Wear brightly-colored and reflective clothing – Wearing hard-to-miss clothing can greatly increase your visibility
both during the day and at night, making it easier for motorists to spot you.
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Install lights and reflectors on the front and back of your bike – Lights and reflectors are another great way to make sure that
drivers notice you at all times of the day.
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Install and use a bell or other type of audible signal – Using an audible signal is an effective method for alerting drivers
of your presence on the road.
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Follow all traffic laws – As a cyclist, you have a responsibility to follow traffic laws,
and doing so could greatly reduce your risk of being in a collision.
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Bike defensively – It’s important that you are always aware of what’s
happening around you. Don’t assume that motorists see you.
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Don’t wear earbuds or headphones – Make sure that you can hear cars driving near you and motorists
using their horns.
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Avoid streets with lots of driveways – When possible, it’s best to avoid biking on streets that
have numerous driveways and parking lot entrances and exits.
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Be cautious when riding by parked cars – Try to ride at least 3 feet away from parked cars and be on the
lookout for opening doors.
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Choose to take the safe route over the fast route – Your wellbeing is always more important than saving a few minutes
on your commute.
Injured? Get the Compassionate Counsel You Deserve
If you or a loved one is harmed in a bicycle accident, you may have legal
options to pursue compensation. We encourage you to get in touch with
the Law Office of James M. Stanley to request a
free case evaluation. When you choose our law firm, you will receive the skilled legal counsel
of an attorney who takes the time to understand your story and seeks solutions
that fit your unique needs. You don’t have to face the aftermath
of a bicycle accident alone; call our Fort Worth
personal injury attorneys today!