It is National Bike Month! For many bicyclists, April’s warm weather has prompted them to dust off their bikes and seek a bike tune-up at their local bike shop. While we are all eager to soak up the sunlight and get some fresh air, bikers should remember safety comes first.
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that less than half of bicyclists wear helmets. Bike wrecks have been known to lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Whether you are commuting to work, riding with your family, or exercising, simply wearing a helmet can reduce your chance of death in the event a collision occurs.
Additionally, wearing other protective gear is recommended. Gloves will come in handy if you fall or are knocked off your bike. Riders should consider wearing fluorescent or neon colors when riding in the roadway. Reflective gear is ideal if riding early in the morning or around sunset. Keep in mind that your chances of being involved in a collision increase when riding between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Consider adding lights to you bike, as well. Placing a strong, white light with a beam on the front of your bike and a red reflector light on the back of your bike will increase your visibility. As an extra precaution, you can even purchase a helmet that has lights on it, as well.
Unfortunately, bicyclists are more likely to sustain crash-related injuries and deaths than motor vehicle occupants, especially riders that ride in urban areas. In 2018, 857 bicyclists died in traffic wrecks in the United States. As a reminder, a motor vehicle driver must at all times maintain a safe operating distance between the motor vehicle and bicyclist. A bicyclist that is riding in the roadway should choose a route with minimum traffic, and ride as close to the right side of the roadway as possible.
Do You Need a Bike Accident Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car versus bicycle wreck, call the Solomon Law Group today at 803-219-8870. You can speak with a lawyer about your options for free.
Reginald C. Hair is an associate attorney at the Solomon Law Group and has worked for the largest personal injury law firm in South Carolina. He has solely practiced personal injury law since 2016. Carl Solomon is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and has received the coveted AV Peer Review Rating™ from Martindale-Hubble®. He has also been recognized by Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers in America®. He is the founder of the Solomon Law Group, LLC, which represents clients throughout South Carolina.
