Six Mistakes To Avoid So You Are Not In A Bicycle Accident
The last thing we want is for you be in a bicycle accident and feel the sensation of your helmet and bicycle hitting the side of a truck or a car or the ground. We have compiled six mistakes many of our clients have made, which we know if you avoid them you will have a better chance of not being in an accident with a car or truck.
1. Leave your iPod or MP3 player at home. Unfortunately, headphones limit or drown out your ability to anticipate passing vehicles. We know listening to music is great but it is dangerous. You cannot hear everything that is going on around you. If you have to listen to music, turn your music way down, and/or listen to it only out of your right earbud.
2. Be more visible. Believe it or not, riding too close to the curb may be dangerous, because it often tempts motorists to try to squeeze past you, even in heavy traffic. Do not ride too close to the curb. Studies have determined that a cyclist is most visible riding slightly to the left of the white line. This is because in order for a driver to pass you, they would have to move into the other line instead of thinking that they could share the lane with you.
3. Be very patient after the accident. Although you may feel strong enough to move or are acting on pure adrenaline, do not get up immediately-- take a few extra minutes to get up slowly. Always remember that a bicycle crash will most likely cause a burst of adrenaline to be released by your body. Take that into consideration and be patient and take your time getting up and checking out your body for injuries.
4. Do not leave the scene of a bicycle accident. Always, never leave the scene of an accident until you have at least attempted to contact the police. Always ask any other witnesses who are around for their information if they have seen the accident. Always collect your belongings and your bicycle and sit in plain view waiting for the police officers or paramedics to arrive.
5. Accept medical attention for yourself. We always tell our clients that they should allow themselves to be checked out – always. Always get yourself checked out when you’re in doubt. You never know what could occur days or hours later.
6. Exchange information with the driver of the car or truck. You must make yourself available to exchange information with the driver of the car or truck as well as provide the police with anything they need. Of course, if you do that and then you hire us, it’ll make it easier for us to communicate with all parties after the accident and will move your claim forward from the crash.
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