How to Stay Safe While Riding a Bicycle at Night

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Bicycle Accidents

Summer is here, which means more people are engaging in outdoor activities such as bicycling. While bike riding is an enjoyable activity, it can be dangerous, particularly for those riding their bikes at night. In fact, the pedestrian/cyclist fatality rate is three times higher at night. While it is recommended you ride your bike only during the day, for many that is not possible. If you often do bike at night, you should take certain precautions to avoid a collision with a car or other vehicle.

1. Do not ride on busy streets. The more traffic there is on the road, the more likely you will get into an accident with a vehicle. If you can, avoid riding your bike on busy intersections and highways. Speeding cars and distracted drivers can confuse you or cause you to panic — especially at night — which can result in an accident.
2. Follow road safety rules and laws. You should not ride your bike against the direction of traffic. You should also adhere to all pavement markings and signs, such as pedestrian crosswalks or yield signs. Adhering to road laws will not only keep you out of trouble with law enforcement but will also keep you, and those around you, safe.
3. Wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet may be one of the most essential safety measures you can take when riding your bicycle. The Journal of Pediatrics conducted a study of U.S. bicyclists who were injured or killed in accidents between 1999 and 2009. The study compared the injury and fatality rates among bicyclists who were age 16 or younger in states that require them to wear helmets to death and injury rates in states that do not require minors to wear helmets. The study found that in states with helmet laws, the injury rate among minors was about 20 percent lower than in states with no helmet laws.
4. Make sure others can see you. Place reflective decals or stickers, lights, and reflectors on your bike. Avoid wearing dark clothing. Studies show that pedestrians who wear dark clothing are less likely to be seen by drivers. The better drivers and pedestrians can see you, the safer you will be while riding on the road.

Sometimes, no amount of safety precautions will prevent an accident from occurring. Crashes between bicycles and cars can be caused by several factors such as driver negligence, bicycle or auto defects, drunk driving, etc. If you believe any one of these factors caused an accident between you and a driver, contact the skilled Lake County personal injury lawyers at Salvi & Maher, LLP. You may be able to be compensated for your injuries and any property damage.  Call us at 847-662-3303, or contact us via email.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/do-bike-helmet-laws-really-save-people/2013/06/03/6a6532b4-c6df-11e2-9245-773c0123c027_story.html?utm_term=.c23727494fd3

http://www.visualexpert.com/Resources/pedestrian.html