Our Bethlehem Bicycle Accident Attorney is Here to Help with Your Claim
While Pennsylvania-specific bicycle accident statistics are sparse, the national figures reflect the dangers bike riders face in traffic every day. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 843 cyclists were killed in accidents with motor vehicles in 2019. Although bike rider deaths have decreased 16% since 1975, they have increased 36% since reaching their lowest point in 2010.
Falls are the most common type of bicycle accident, while collisions with vehicles are the most dangerous. If you have been injured or a loved one has died as a result of a bicycle accident, let a Bethlehem bicycle accident attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis help you recover all of the financial compensation to which you’re entitled.
What Can Bike Riders Do to Avoid Accidents?
Bike riders are particularly vulnerable in accidents that occur with any type of motor vehicle. This is because they present a narrow profile, making them hard to see by casual vehicle drivers. Even well-equipped bike riders lack the protective metal covering of a vehicle, with nothing to provide a significant barrier between the bike rider and the vehicle and/or road. Fortunately, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides helpful guidance for bike riders to help them avoid accidents:
- Helmets. Bike riders should, of course, always wear a helmet, but it’s important to wear the right helmet. Sizes vary between manufacturers, so find the right size and follow the instructions for a proper fit. A comprehensive list of helmet sizes can be found at the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) website.
- Ride When it’s Safest. When you have options, choose to ride when it’s safest. Accident prevention is your best defense as a bike rider. Be aware that regardless of the season, bike rider deaths occur most often between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., occur most often in urban areas compared to rural areas, and are six times higher for males than females. Further, one in four fatal bicycle accidents in 2019 involved a bike rider who had been drinking alcohol.
- Ride Defensively. Remember, bike riders are obligated to follow the rules of the road. Drive with the traffic flow in the same direction; assume the vehicle driver doesn’t see you. Scan the path ahead for hazards that may cause you to fall, like slick surfaces, potholes, grates, and train tracks. Don’t text, listen to music, or use anything that might distract you by taking your eyes, ears, or mind off the road and traffic.
- Ride Predictably. This allows vehicle drivers around you to get a sense of what you intend to do and how to avoid a crash. Ride where you are expected to be seen, use signals, and look over your shoulder before changing lane position or turning.
A Bethlehem Bicycle Accident Attorney Will Help You Recover Compensation if You’ve Been Involved in a Bike Crash
Even bike riders who follow all of the rules can be struck by motor vehicle drivers who don’t see them or account for their safe travel when sharing the road. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, contact a Bethlehem bicycle accident attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis for your free consultation.