Avoid Fatal Crashes when Biking
Biking has become increasingly more popular in the past few years. Biking gives the heart and lungs a work out, thus minimizing the risk of heart disease. It trims and tones muscles, manages weight,relieves stress and is environmentally friendly. According to reports from C.D.C. (Centers for Disease Control and prevention)500,000 people are treated in emergency rooms as a result of Biking accidents. A shocking 7-800 people are killed each year. Hopefully, the following tips and advice will help you avoid a fatal crash when biking.
Contents
Steps
- Never bike into a road or street without stopping first. Look left, then right, then look left a second time as cars coming from the left are on your side of the road, and so closer to you.
- Check behind you before turning left or changing lanes and always signal. This involves practice. To practice go to a quiet area with minimal traffic.
- Wear your helmet. This may save your life. 7-800 people die from bicycle crashes, mostly from head injuries. Many others suffer permanent brain damage. Check your helmet regularly for wear and tear, replace it if you've been in an accident or after 6 years.
- Obey the rules of the road. Ride with traffic (on the right in the US). Always stop at the stop signs and red lights, even if the 'coast is clear'.
- Always bike in single file, don't 'blindly follow the leader'.
- Watch for left turning traffic. Often oncoming cars will misjudge the speed of a cyclist and turn left right into them. Be aware of oncoming traffic and look for signs that they will be turning left.
- Watch for right turning traffic. Be ready to break if a car passes you then slows, as this can be a sign that they are about to turn right into your path of travel. This may also be a sign that they are yielding to an oncoming car that is turning left. Always be cautious when passing a car that just passed you.
- Use a headlight when biking at night. Never assume the motorist can see you.
- Ensure your bike has reflectors both front and back, also reflectors on side wheels and pedals.
- Get off your bike and walk if you are overtired, or in very windy weather, as you may wobble and be in danger .
- Wear reflective clothing. It is not advisable to bike in sandals or barefoot, wear comfortable shoes, or invest in special biking shoes.
Tips
- Ensure your biking helmet fits correctly, snug but not too tight.
- Choose a bright colour to be more obvious to motorists and other bicyclists.
- Always ensure that you check your brake and tires.
- Be courteous, aggressive behavior may invite road rage, and motorists in cars have more armor than cyclists on bikes.
Warnings
- There are dangers to every sport, but be vigilant and follow the rules of the road, ensure your bicycle is maintained well, and you will not end up being the next statistic.
Related Articles
- Ride a Bike Safely
- Adjust Bike Gears
