While modern vehicles protect passengers from external impacts through safety features like airbags and seatbelts, bicycles offer no barrier between riders and their surroundings. Therefore, it is incumbent upon riders to prioritize their safety and take reasonable precautions to minimize the risk of injury. The best way to do so is by following bicycle safety and preventative measures in Houston.
When you are hurt while riding a bike because someone else acted recklessly, you may be able to hold the at-fault party accountable for your ensuing losses. With the help of a hardworking bike crash attorney at Roberts Markland LLP, you could obtain the compensation you deserve for the harm you sustained.
Wearing a helmet is an easy way to prevent severe injuries while riding a bicycle in Houston. No other safety gear reduces a bicyclist’s risk of serious injury more than head protection.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a helmet can reduce a rider’s risk of severe head trauma in a bike crash by as much as 50 percent.
Helmets should be fitted and leveled on your head without being tipped too far forward or backward. The helmet’s strap should also be buckled tightly under your chin, with the side straps forming a “V” shape around your ears.
In addition to wearing appropriate protective gear, regularly inspecting bicycles before riding could prevent severe accidents and injuries in Houston. Besides adjusting your seat and checking that your tires are properly inflated, installing a horn or bell, a rear-view mirror, or a headlight on your bike’s handlebars may also be beneficial. Reflectors on the pedals, spokes, and frame could also help increase visibility for both you and drivers nearby.
Bicycle riders must ensure they are easily seen by nearby motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Wearing brightly colored and reflective clothing could be vital to preventing bicycle accidents in Houston. Additionally, while riding in the daytime is advisable, it is imperative to wear reflective clothing when riding at night.
To stay safe and prevent collisions while riding your bicycle in Houston, it is wise to ride with the flow of traffic in a single file, come to a complete stop and look both ways before entering any intersection, and signal before making turns. You should also keep an eye out for drivers who suddenly open their doors, especially when sharing the road with cars or on a bike path that passes parked cars.
While it is possible to sue a driver who hits you while riding your bike, you bear a great deal of responsibility for protecting yourself from injury. Even if you cannot prevent an accident, the fact that you acted safely at the time can be vital to ensuring you are not held liable for your injuries and obtaining the compensation you need.
A skilled lawyer could go into further detail about bicycle safety and preventative measures in Houston during a private consultation. Call our attorneys today to schedule a meeting, and let us begin working on your case.
