Top Safety Precautions Bicyclists Should Take in Roseville
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville bicycle accident lawyer. In 2016, bicycle accidents accounted for 2.2 percent of all traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These accidents resulted in 840 deaths of bicyclists nationwide. The number of bicyclists injured in traffic accidents is in the tens of thousands. However, these are only those riders who were treated in an emergency room, so the number is probably much higher. California has the highest number of bicyclist fatalities from collisions with motor vehicles in the country.
Safety Precautions That Can Be Taken by Bicyclists
Because bicycle riders have much less protection than those in motor vehicles, a collision can cause serious injuries or even the death of the rider. By using safety precautions, it improves the risk factor of being involved in a crash.
- Stay alert and ride defensively. Assuming that drivers in motor vehicles can see a bicycle rider can be a mistake. Drivers often look only for other motor vehicles and can miss seeing a bicycle rider.
- In 2014, California enacted the “Three Feet for Safety Rule” under California Vehicle Code section 21760. It states that drivers must maintain a three-foot distance from bicycle riders. Although drivers are legally required to maintain that distance, even though it may mean slowing down until it is safe, some will disregard the law. Bicycle riders must be actively aware of motorists and do what they can to maintain that safe distance.
- Use caution on roads, keeping an eye out for cars that are backing out of driveways or side streets.
- Ride a bike that is the correct size. It is more difficult to control a bike if it is too large or small.
- Obey traffic laws, including signals and street signs, just as motorists do. They are in place for your protection.
- Wear bright, reflective clothing, especially after dark, and ensure that your bike has the appropriate reflectors.
- Avoid distractions. Listening to music or talking on a cell phone is just as much a distraction for bicycle riders as it is for motorists.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
While many injuries to bicycle riders are minor such as road rash and abrasions, more serious injuries can occur. These include the following:
- Head injuries: Wearing a bicycle helmet can help prevent head injuries. However, brain and head injuries can still occur. They may include concussion, hemorrhage in the brain and traumatic brain injury.
- Facial injuries can cause serious damage to the teeth or eyes and cause fractures. Scarring or disfigurement from a facial injury may require cosmetic surgery to repair.
- Abdominal trauma causes internal bleeding and damage to organs such as the spleen, liver or bowel. This dangerous type of trauma may not be apparent right away but arise hours or days following the accident.
- Chest trauma from striking the ground or against a vehicle can cause broken ribs or even damage the heart or lungs. Around 25 percent of the fatalities in bicycle collisions with motor vehicles are caused by chest trauma.
- Spinal injuries may range from fracture and nerve damage to a severed spinal cord.
- Fractured bones may range from a clean break to a crush injury, which can require numerous surgeries to repair and lengthy recuperative period.
Roseville Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville bicycle accident lawyer. Accident injuries can cause quickly mounting medical bills and lost income. When the accident was caused by a negligent driver, those expenses are recoverable. If you or someone you care about was hurt in an accident, I am here to offer friendly and free advice. Give me a call at (916) 921-6400 in the Roseville area. Outside the calling area, I have a toll-free line (800) 404-5400 for your convenience.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Forum, a group which allows entry to trial lawyers who have garnered a verdict or settlement in excess of one million dollars for a client.
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