Mistakes That Can Increase Your Risk of an Accident

Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Whether you use your bicycle for transportation or exercise, it is important to always be alert and follow safety rules. Otherwise, you risk getting into an accident with other motorists and suffering serious injuries. Here are some common cycling mistakes that you must avoid.

Neglecting Bicycle Maintenance

Just like motor vehicles, bicycles require regular maintenance. This is especially true if you ride your bike multiple times a week. Take the time to check your brakes, gears, tires and chain. If you don’t want to take care of these maintenance tasks on your own, you can take your bicycle to a bike shop. If you neglect to maintain your bicycle, you can have a breakdown on the road and increase your risk of an accident.

Not Fueling Beforehand

Since riding a bike requires a lot of physical energy, it is important to eat something nutritious beforehand, like toast with peanut butter, an energy bar or oatmeal. If you don’t eat enough before getting on your bicycle, you may become tired, dizzy and even nauseous. You might not be able to focus on the road ahead and get into an accident.

Forgetting to Signal Properly

Motorists are not the only ones required to use proper turn signals on the road. It’s also important for cyclists to signal before they make a turn or come to a stop. For example, if you want to turn left, extend your left arm to the side. If motorists understand what your intentions are, they are less likely to crash into you.

Not Wearing a Helmet

A helmet might not look too stylish, but it is still important for you to wear one when you ride your bicycle. Even if you are very cautious on the road, you can’t predict what others will do. If you do get into an accident, you can protect yourself against life-threatening head injuries by wearing a helmet.

Assuming Motorists See You

You should never assume that motorists will see your bicycle clearly, especially if you are riding at night. That’s why it’s so important to always cycle defensively and stay out of vehicles’ blind spots. 

If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident caused by a motorist, you may want to schedule a consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer, like one from Burton Law Firm, to discuss your case.