People enjoy cycling for a variety of reasons, in addition to the great exercise this activity provides. Cyclists regularly take to the roads throughout California and unfortunately, many of these individuals are hurt in bicycle accidents. California bicycle accident injuries tend to be more severe than other types of accidents, because a cyclist has very little protection in a collision. There are some ways that you can help minimize your chances of being involved in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino or Ventura County.
Don’t ride on the sidewalk. If you leave the sidewalk to enter the road, you are pretty much invisible to motorists and could risk being hit.
Follow the rules of the road. Bicyclists are considered to be vehicles under the law and are required to obey the same rules as motorists.
Watch out for hazards. Riding a bicycle has different risks than driving a motor vehicle. Road construction, uneven streets, debris on the road and poor weather conditions, such as high winds, fog or rain, are more dangerous for a bicyclist.
Be cautious when entering an intersection. You need to be on the lookout for vehicles that may hit you, but you also need to watch the car in front of you. If a car makes a right turn in front of your bicycle, it can be very difficult to stop in time and this type of bicycle accident is common.
Purchase lights for your bicycle and wear reflective clothing. Many bicycle accidents occur at night. You can avoid these collisions by investing in lights and wearing reflective clothing.
Put a mirror on your bicycle. A mirror does not cost a lot, but it will give you peace of mind, not to mention possibly saving you from a rear end collision.
If you have been injured in a Southern California bicycle accident, contact a bicycle accident lawyer at Steinberg Injury Lawyers at 1-800-350-8888 for a free case evaluation.
