Three Safety Strategies for Preventing Bicycle Accidents in Alaska
When you know that there can be up to 19.5 hours of daylight in Anchorage during the summer, you soon understand why bike riding is such a popular activity here. However, there are safety risks to note. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that around 1,000 people are killed and another 306,000 victims sustain injuries every year nationwide. Plus, these incidents are on the rise, with a 6% increase in fatal bicycle accidents from 2017 to 2018.
Unfortunately, you may not be able to completely prevent bike crashes, which is why you should get in touch with anAlaska bicycle accident attorney right away if you were injured. Still, there are three key safety strategies that can protect you as a rider and reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.
Prepare Your Bicycle Before You Ride
Safety starts with a safe vehicle, so keep in mind a few tips before you head out for a ride:
- Make sure your bicycle fits your height and adjust the seat if necessary to allow proper extension of your legs.
- Check your brakes, pedals, handlebars, and reflectors to ensure they are all in working order.
- Never ride with a passenger unless your bike is designed to accommodate more than one person.
- Tuck in pant legs and secure shoelaces to prevent them from getting caught in the chain.
- Wear a helmet and clothing that makes you more visible to motorists, such as bright colors and reflective tape.
Practice Defensive Bicycle Riding
One of the best tips for defensive biking is planning your route so that you do not encounter traffic at all. Many areas have designated bike lanes or paths intended for bicycle traffic only. If you will be riding around motorized vehicles:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic;
- Obey signs, signals, and lane markings as if you were driving a car; and,
- Stay off your phone and do not listen to music through earphones while riding.
Be Predictable
When motorists foresee your maneuvers based upon your actions and indications, they will have a better idea of what to do to avoid hitting you. Some tips on predictable bicycle riding include:
- When in traffic, ride where you will be seen in a bike lane or side of the road;
- Use hand signals to indicate that you are turning at an intersection; and,
- Slow down and double check for cars that may be backing out of a driveway, alley, or parking spot.
Our Alaska Bicycle Accident Lawyers are Here to Help
The potential for fatal and injury-causing bike crashes will always persist, so make sure to reach out to an experienced attorney if you were hurt or lost a loved one. You know that the responsible driver’s insurance company likely has backing from an adjuster and legal team, you should also have a skilled attorney on your side. To learn more about how we can assist with the legal process, please contact Power & Power Law in Anchorage, Alaska to set up a free consultation with a member of our team.