Bikers are the most vulnerable motorists. If they are involved in an accident, they are especially vulnerable to injury and death. The best way to protect everyone on the road is to enact strategies that can help avoid accidents. These are steps that all motorists can use to make the roads that we share safer.
Below, are some safety measures in hopes that they can decrease the number of devastating accidents that involve bikes. Additionally, we will discuss what to do if you have been involved in an accident.
Tips For Bikers
Education: State Farm Insurance offers a list of ways to be a safe bike rider. Among the many list items, one of the most important tips is to seek education. New riders should take a reputable safety course so that they can learn strategies to stay safe on the road. Veteran riders can also benefit from a refresher course every few years. Beyond the class, take bike safety seriously. Actively search for ways to keep yourself and other motorists safe on the road.
Keep Your Attention on The Road: One of the leading causes of rider accidents is a distraction. Phone calls and music are just two things that can take your attention away from the road. It is a good idea to abstain from these distractions, at least until you are a confident rider.
Obey State Laws: Speeding is one of the main causes of bike accidents. At lower speeds, reaction time is increased, and accidents are less likely to occur. Additionally, when accidents do occur at lower speeds, the damage is not as devastating. The fact is that less speeding means fewer accidents.
Alcohol: It is impossible to be a safe rider when you are impaired by alcohol. The CDC states that alcohol-impaired riders caused 10,497 deaths in 2016. If you have been drinking, do not ride your bike. The odds are very high that you will cause a possibly fatal accident. Also, be on the lookout for the signs of impairment in other riders.
Wear A Helmet: Texas law states that helmets are only required for riders 20 years of age or younger. However, the CDC reports that helmets saved 1859 lives in 2016. Research proves that helmets can be the difference between death and life. A bike accident can change your life forever. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, you should seek experienced legal representation. An experienced attorney can make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve and help your life get back to normal.
If you live in the Houston area, consider contacting The Valenzuela Law Firm, PC. We will use our years of experience in injury law to construct your case and argue on your behalf to get you what you legally deserve.
