There is no question that there are many advantages to biking. From the lower cost compared to driving, from the environmental impact, from the fact that it is a great exercise option. The good news is that cities throughout California have taken steps to be more bike friendly and to encourage bike riders to commute via bike. The bad news is that there are still many more bike accidents than there need to be.
Many who are considering changing their commute from a drive to a ride are wondering if there is a better chance of being in a bike accident or a car accident on their commute. The truth depends on many factors, including how safe of a driver a person is and what steps they take to be safe when on a bike. Read on to get some tips to help make your commute safer. If you are injured in a bike accident then you can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Know the rules of the road
The first thing you can do to stay safe when biking is to know what laws apply to you and which do not. For example, you must stop at red lights the same way you would in a car, and you must stop at a stop sign the same way you would in a car. You cannot weave in and out of traffic and you must abide by the rules of the law.
Make sure your bike is ready to be ridden
Many bike accidents are the result of a bike that is not properly maintained. We recommend, at a minimum, the ABC of riding a bike: Air, Brakes, and Chain. This means you should check to make sure that your tires are inflated appropriately. Then check the brakes to make sure they are working correctly. Finally, look at the chain to ensure it is well oiled, there are no kinks, and it is not broken. Doing this quick check every time you get on your bike can help prevent the majority of equipment-related accidents.
Let yourself stand out
A person on a bike is harder for a driver to see because they are smaller. You should do what you can to counteract this issue by wearing bright colors and reflective strips. Especially in the winter when it gets dark so early, make sure you have the appropriate visibility gear. Your goal should be to outfit your bike just like you would a car: A white light in the front and a red light in the back.
Of course, there is nothing you can do to prevent 100% of bike accidents. In the event that you are injured in a bike accident, you can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. Even if you were partially at fault, we may be able to recover damages for you.
