While not every bicycle accident is preventable, there are some commonsense tips that bicyclists can follow in order to decease the chances of an accident and protect themselves while cycling. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that bicyclists take the following safety precautions:

·         Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet

·         Adjust your bike to fit your height

·         Check your bike before riding, including ensuring that tires are properly inflated and brakes are working as they should be

·         Wear bright, reflective clothing and equip your bike with a flashing light and/or reflective tape and markings

·         Watch for and avoid road hazards such as potholes, road debris, gravel, large puddles, and animals

Additionally, keep in mind that all bicyclists have a duty to follow traffic rules and regulations, just like the drivers of motor vehicles. As a bicyclist, you must obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. You should be riding with the flow of traffic and yield to pedestrians or drivers as required. This means that you should look carefully before pulling out onto a street from a driveway, alley, sidewalk, or bike path. You should take the same precautions before turning and signal that you intend to turn.

Staying alert at all times, using both your eyes and ears, is essential to staying safe while cycling. Using a headset (which is illegal in CA!) or listening to music while riding can impair your ability to hear traffic noise and vehicles that may be approaching you from behind. In addition to looking out for road hazards, you also should take care while passing parked cars to ensure that a suddenly opened door does not strike you.

In some cases, taking the proper safety precautions cannot prevent bicycle accidents. When you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you need an attorney who knows bike laws and can stand up for your interests from the outset of your personal injury claim. It is our goal to evaluate the facts, assess your claim, explore your options, and help you build the strongest claim for compensation possible against those who are responsible for the accident that led to your injuries. Do not hesitate to contact Bonnici Law Group at 858-261-5454 today and set up an appointment to speak with us soon.