Bike crashes can happen at almost any time, especially when cyclists ride near the roads. Drivers aren’t always prepared to see a cyclist, and a crash between a car and cyclist nearly always ends badly.
What can drivers do to be safer around cyclists? What should cyclists to do be safer around traffic? Here are a few tips that could help:
Wearing a helmet could save a life
If you’re in a crash as a cyclist, you have little protection against impact. Save yourself the trouble of a serious injury by wearing an appropriately fitting helmet.
Stand out
By making yourself more visible, you reduce the risk of a crash. This goes for drivers and cyclists. Drivers should use their lights at dawn and dusk, and if they’re not sure if a cyclist is aware of them, they should flash their lights or make noise to let the cyclist know they’re there. Cyclists can stand out by wearing bright colors and reflectors.
Know what to do if a crash happens
If a crash happens, it’s vital for drivers to stop and provide aid. It’s most common for the cyclist to be the one with injuries, so it’s important to deal with the cyclist’s injuries as best as possible until the emergency team arrives. Apply direct pressure to bleeding wounds until help arrives.
Bicycle crashes can be significant, leading to serious injuries or deaths. Anyone who is responsible for hitting a cyclist should be held accountable for his or her actions. The cyclist should be entitled to compensation for what he or she has been through.
Source: Bicycling, “7 Things EMTs Wish You Knew about Bike Crashes,” Selene Yeager, accessed April 12, 2018