As the warmer months come around, you’ll probably find yourself spending more time basking in longer daylight hours. For many of us that includes bicycle riding. Whether you’re cycling for a leisure activity, commuting or exercising, safety precautions should be a part of your routine.
As much as you’d hope motorists on the road are looking out for cyclists, accidents still happen. In fact, about 1,000 bicycle accidents take place each year in Georgia. Although there are consequences for motorists who cause collisions with bicyclists, following the rules of the road and wearing protective gear can keep you from crashing.
Mindful cycling
Before pedaling away on your next two-wheeled adventure, here are some quick tips to consider:
- Wear a helmet: Even while riding on the most familiar routes, the slightest bump or misplaced pebble can throw you off your bike. By law, you don’t have to wear a helmet once you’ve reached age 16, but nobody is too old or too cool for taking a life-preserving measure. Wearing a helmet can be the difference between a few cuts and scratches to a traumatic brain injury or even death in a bike accident.
- Don’t drink and bike: Best practices for driving alongside traffic often means mimicking what motorists do on the road. This includes giving a hand motion to signal a turn or coming to a complete stop when you encounter a red light. Similarly, you shouldn’t operate your car or bike while intoxicated, because either can result in a criminal charge.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Keeping your head up and being aware of your surroundings is common sense. But you can take this frame of mind a step further, by noting any road closures or construction sites that could cause an interruption before leaving home. And if you’re keeping your momentum with the help of some of your favorite songs, then setting your music at a sensible volume can help you stay in tune with the atmosphere around you.
If it’s too late and you’ve already fallen victim to a bike accident, a personal injury attorney can guide you through obtaining compensation for any injuries you’re suffering from.