Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety

May 24, 2018

With Memorial Day weekend just days away, more and more pedestrians and cyclists will be out and about. Though the weather this weekend looks to be a little on the cooler side, I know that we will still see people on the roads. Our accident attorney wants to make sure that everyone has a fun time. but we also want to make sure that everyone is being safe. Below are some tips for pedestrians and cyclists on staying safe over this holiday weekend. If you are suffering from injuries due to an accident, do not hesitate to contact an injury lawyer in our office. Consultations are free!

Injury Lawyer | Safety Tips for Bicyclists

When going out on your bike, you always want to make sure that you are following the rules of the road. Below are some tips to stay safe this holiday season:

Always Ride With Traffic

• Riding with the flow rather than against it is safest. Statistics from crash data says that it is highly unlikely to get hit from behind;
• You are more visible to motorists, especially at intersections and driveways when you ride with the flow of traffic;
• Ride in a straight line, do not go in and out of traffic. Use hand signals when turning and stopping in order to indicate to the other drivers what you want to do;
• Obey traffic signs, signals, and road markings;
• Yield to traffic when appropriate, including pedestrians

Avoid Riding On the Sidewalk

Though it may seems to be the safest option, motorists are not looking for cyclists on the sidewalk. Especially ones that are riding against traffic.

• At every driveway and intersection, there is a greater risk of being hit by a car than if you were riding on the road with traffic;
• Riding on the road can cause accidents with pedestrians – who have the right of way;
• Ride on the trail, paved shoulder, bike lane, bike route, etc.
  • You still need to follow the rules of the road and watch out for pedestrians, other cyclists, and most importantly, cars
  • Ride to the right, use hand signals when turning, obey traffic signs and signals

Make Yourself Visible

• Try not to be hesitant or do things that motorists and other travelers may not be expecting;
• Make sure you wear clothes that are visible enough for drivers, other cyclists, and pedestrians to see;
• If you are riding in the dark, make sure to use headlights, taillights, and reflectors;
  • Wear reflective materials as well as brightly colored clothing;
• Try not to wear headphones or talk on the phone while biking;
  • always make sure you are alert

Watch for Turning Traffic

• Most car and bicycle accidents happen in intersections and driveways when motorists or bicyclists are turning;
• At every intersection and driveway, keep an eye for motorists turning in front of you – you may be going faster than they think;
• Look for motorists turning left in your path;
  • drivers are looking for gaps in traffic and may not be paying attention to or looking out for cyclists

Accident Attorney | Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Walking is a really good way to get around and helps get your blood flowing. However, you have to remember that you still need to be safe as a pedestrian.

Make Sure You Are Seen

• If you are walking at night, wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials;
• Carry a flashlight if you are walking at night;
• At night, cross the street in a well-lit area;
• Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, or other obstacles before crossing the street;
  • this is so drivers can see you

Be Alert

Not everyone driving on the road is paying attention to other drivers. Let alone pedestrians.

• Always walk on the sidewalk;
  • if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic
• Stay sober;
  • walking while impaired will increase your chance of being hit by a car
• Never assume that a car will stop;
  • make eye contact with drivers – don’t just look at the car. If the driver is on their phone, they may not be paying attention to the road
• Don’t solely rely on pedestrian signals;
  • look before you cross the road
• Be alert to engine noise or reverse lights when you are walking in parking lots and near street parking

Be Cautious at Crosswalks

• Do your best to cross the street at marked crosswalks or intersections;
• Obey WALK/DON’T WALK traffic signals; even if there aren’t any cars nearby;
• Look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street;
• Be on the lookout for vehicles that are turning;
  • make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you
• Look across ALL lanes of traffic as you cross and make sure that it is visibly clear before you cross;
  • even if ONE of the motorists stops, do not assume that other drivers will see you and do the same
• Don’t wear headphones or be on your phone when you are crossing
  • these take away from being able to hear what is around you

If you have been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, you have rights. Contact us today to discuss your case. Consultations are free!