How To Be Careful When Sharing The Road With Motor Vehicles While On A Bicycle

Roads can be highly dangerous. If you commute regularly, you may witness collisions frequently. Every road user should take a defensive approach whilst on the road to predict hazards and learn how to quickly evade these. Doing this significantly reduces the chances of accidents, although it can be difficult to completely achieve this all the time. 

Although drivers are at risk of road collisions, there is a higher chance for individuals on bicycles to suffer from more serious injuries or even fatalities. If you are a cyclist, there are a few things that you should be practicing whilst on the road to maximize your safety. This article will explore how to be careful when sharing the road with motor vehicles while on a bicycle so that you can avoid being a victim of an accident.

Plan Your Route

Before you hop on your bike and start your journey, you should carefully plan the route using route4me.com to avoid any stressful surprises along the way. Although in some areas there has been an increase in bike lanes on the road, this is still not abundant everywhere. If you know what route you will be taking you may plan to go through areas designed for cyclists (even if this takes slightly longer!). Doing this also reduces the chances of you potentially making any mistakes on the road that can result in a collision with a vehicle.

Know The Traffic Laws for Cyclists

It seems that many drivers do not like the sight of cyclists on the road, as they say, individuals on bikes do not respect the traffic regulations. Many people are not aware that they must respect road laws just as any other driver. The safety of the general public is of everyone’s interest and everyone’s responsibility and you will need to know what is expected of you as a road user.

Know What To Do in Case of An Accident

Being involved in an accident is something that no one likes to think about, but everyone should be prepared for such a situation. You must know what to do if you find yourself in a collision with another driver, particularly as any accidents involving bicycles can have a greater impact on the cyclist than the driver. The personal injury legal professionals at  https://www.sawayalaw.com/motor-vehicle-accidents-lawyer/bicycle-accidents/ explained that there are particular elements in bicycle and motorist accident cases, which requires the need for expert legal help. If you are involved in an accident and a motorist was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation and an attorney can support you with your claim.

Do Not Assume Drivers Can See You

This comes under the defensive driving (and riding) approach. When you use the roads defensibly, you essentially expect the worst and avoid it at all costs. Speeding is one of the major issues on the roads, it can be difficult for the driver to have full visibility and control of their vehicle when driving above the speed limit. If a vehicle is approaching you faster than it should, stay out of its way and do not assume they can see you and they will stop. The more you try to predict potential hazards, the quicker and better you can prevent them and avoid being involved in a dangerous collision.

Wear The Appropriate Equipment

It should go without saying that any individual that rides a bicycle should always wear protective equipment. Even if you are on your way to work or an event and think you do not want to damage your hairstyle. Your safety is a priority. Always wear at least a helmet to protect your head. Although the main goal is to avoid accidents and hazards, you need to be prepared in case this happens, and be as protected as possible.

Avoid Riding at Night

Not many people should have to ride their bikes at night, and you should avoid this too. Evidently, vision will be significantly restricted, and drivers may not actually see you at all. However, if you must use your bicycle when it is dark, make sure to take the necessary precautions to increase your safety. Wearing reflective clothing and clearly marking your bike are a few steps you must take before starting your journey. You should also have your own headlights on the bike so that you can see where you are going and others can see you too.

Riding your bicycle should not mean that you are at a heightened risk of being involved in an accident and suffering from personal injury. However, you must be aware that not every vehicle will be mindful of you whilst on the road. Follow the tips discussed above so that you can ensure you stay safe on the road while riding your bike.