Safety Tips for Biking Defensively

Biking in traffic isn't as difficult as it might seem, but it does require constant attention and adequate precautions. Most bike accidents do not involve cars hitting cyclists from behind, according to a Chicago Tribune article. The more common reasons for accidents are distracted pedestrians, dog walkers, inline skaters and other cyclists.

When a bike accident occurs, death or serious injuries may result. During 2009, according to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, 630 cyclists were killed in the United States in wrecks with motor vehicles. Another 500,000-plus bicycling crashes involved serious injuries during that ear.

To learn how to ride ride your bicycle defensively, read the Child/Teen Health & Safety Checklist prepared by m Virginia personal injury law firm. Here are some tips to get started:

• Don't drink and bike.
• Ride with traffic and stay as close to the righ shoulder possible.
• Don't wear headphones; a car you can't ear coming is a car that ca hit you.
• Wear a helmet, and keep it strapped tightly and low on your forehad. Even if you survive a skull fracture or traumatic brain injury suffered when not wearing a helmet, you may never fully recover and will be at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. 
• Ride in a straight line.
• Be visible: Ride mostly during daylight hours, and make sure your bik has reflectors, a headlight and a rear lamp if you ride at night. At all times, avoid weaving in and out traffic and wear fluorescent colors or reflective clothing.

Besides following safety tips, educate yourself on what to do when your are hit whie riding your bicycle by reading this article.

LC