Five Ways To Reduce Bicycle Accident Risks In Naples
Bicycling is a fun hobby, provides an excellent form of exercise, and is an inexpensive, environmentally friendly way to get around the area. However, bicycle accidents in Naples pose serious risks and can result in potentially life-threatening personal injuries. To reduce your odds of being involved in a crash, our Naples bicycle accident lawyer recommends following these five tips:
- Wear an approved bicycle safety helmet.
Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of serious, potentially fatal bike accident head injuries by more than 50 percent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises looking for one approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and checking the manufacturer date, as older models may have been subject to recalls. Make sure it fits your head snugly and does not obstruct your vision. Replace it right away if it gets cracked, dented, or starts to lose padding.
- Increase your visibility.
When going out for a bike ride, wear light, bright colors to increase your visibility. Take extra precautions when riding at night or in the early morning hours prior to sunrise. This includes having head and tail lights on your bike, as well as reflectors. Increase visibility among drivers by using hand signals to indicate when stopping, switching lanes, or making turns.
- Use bike lanes, when possible.
There are numerous bike paths and lanes throughout Naples and cyclists are encouraged to use them at all times, rather than riding on sidewalks or the open road. Use caution in areas where bike lanes do not exist. Take special precautions and use detours rather than traveling on highways or other roads with heavy traffic and when going across bridges. At intersections, take advantage of crosswalks and check to ensure traffic has stopped completely prior to crossing the street.
- Pay attention to your surroundings.
According to statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety And Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), close to 150 people are injured in bicycle accidents in Naples and throughout Collier County each year. In the majority of cases, reckless driving on the part of motorists is to blame. As a cyclist, it is important to pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of what is going on around you at all times. Avoid ear beds, texting, or other distracted driving behaviors, which could cause you to miss signs of an impending bicycle accident.
- Avoid bicycling under the influence.
Being under the influence and riding a bike is just as dangerous as driving a vehicle. In some cases, it is even more hazardous, as bicycles offer little in the way of protection. If you plan on having any amount to drink, leave your bike at home.
Contact Our Naples Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you care about suffers bicycle accident injuries, contact Cardinal Law, P.A. for help in filing a claim. Call or email to request a consultation with our Naples bicycle accident lawyer today.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf
cdc.gov/headsup/pdfs/helmets/headsup_helmetfactsheet_bike_508.pdf
