These bicycle safety tips can prevent serious accidents and injuries

As spring moves toward summer, you may want to get out on a bicycle to enjoy the weather. If you aren’t careful, you can get into trouble. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported that in 2018, bicyclists were involved in 852 crashes, resulting in 755 injuries and 4 deaths. Most of these accidents are preventable if you are careful. Read on for tips to help stay safe.

1. Make Yourself Visible

When you are on a bicycle, you should wear bright, neon clothing. In addition, you should equip your bicycle with reflectors, flashing lights, and reflective tape. Drivers are generally looking for other vehicles first, so do all you can to make sure they can see you too.

2. Wear a Helmet

If you fall or get hit, the worst injuries you can suffer come from blows to your head. Invest in a bike helmet that fits your head well and provides protection in an accident or fall. Take steps to make sure you protect your brain in an accident.

3. Look Where You Are Going

Just as drivers need to practice defensive driving, you need to keep your eyes open to the world around you on a bicycle. Without the protection of a car or truck, it is even more critical to pay attention. Ride with the flow of traffic, and actively avoid vehicles on the road to help protect yourself.

4. Keep Under Control

Finally, you can take steps to control your bicycle on the road. Maintain speeds at which you can safely stop or turn to avoid an accident, and avoid riding too close to a vehicle in front of you. Avoid carrying large packs or other items that might disrupt your balance while you ride. Make sure you can stay under control and avoid accidents to the extent possible.

Most of the time, practicing safe riding can prevent an accident while you are biking. Sometimes, accidents are unavoidable. If you have been in a bicycling accident and need legal representation, contact Eisenberg Law Offices at https://eisenberglaw.org/contact-us/ or at (608)256-8356.