From biking to driving, there are many ways for people to travel, but everyone must obey the rules of the road. Far too often, people are injured or killed because someone failed to follow safety rules. Whether you are walking or riding a bicycle, you are much more likely to be injured or killed when hit by a larger, heavier car or truck.
Drivers must acknowledge that there are people with bikes using the roads and pedestrians on the sidewalk and in crosswalks. Bicyclists and walkers need to practice safety and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Here is some important safety information for both pedestrians and bicyclists:
Pedestrian Safety
To help prevent pedestrian accidents on the road as a pedestrian, you can follow these easy tips:
Walk in the Right Place
Walk on the sidewalk when it is available. If there is no path, walk on the left side of the street so you can watch for oncoming traffic. If you approach a curve in the road, walk along the outside of the bend to make yourself more visible to drivers.
You need to make yourself stand out to drivers at all times. Choose bright color clothing when walking during the day. At night, select clothes that are reflective when a car’s headlights shine on you. Also, if possible, carry a flashlight or use your phone as a light to make yourself more visible where there are no street lights.
Using a Crosswalk
People are often hit by cars when they choose to cross a street where there is no intersection. Drivers are generally not expecting to slow down and stop when there is no cross street nearby.
If you need to cross a street, go to an intersection first, and if there is no crosswalk or pavement markings, do not immediately cross the street. Instead, look left, right, then left again to ensure that there is no traffic. Drivers will see you on the curb and know that you are planning to cross.
If there is a crosswalk, you must follow the crossing guard commands or the traffic control signals. Walk on the right-hand side to allow room for people traveling in the opposite direction. Do not cross diagonally across the intersection unless it has been designed for this purpose.
Bicyclist Safety
To avoid bicycle accident while riding, you may wish to follow these three tips:
Riding Safely
Ride your bike on the right side of the street, as far to the right as possible. Always be aware of your surroundings and listen for approaching cars. If you are preparing to turn, you must use hand signals to communicate with drivers.
Riding at Night
When riding your bicycle at night, you need to watch out for cars and make yourself visible to drivers. Along with wearing reflective clothing, your bicycle should have safety features in order to ride at night.
These additions include a white light in the front, a red reflector in the back, and reflective material on the sides. These are not just good suggestions, they, along with brakes, are required by the law. (See, NRS NRS 484B.783 Lamps, reflectors and brakes required on bicycles and electric bicycles.)
Choosing the Correct Gear
It is essential for children and adults alike to use correctly sized bicycles and helmets. It is not safe to give a child gear that is too big for them so they can “grow” into it.
To measure a bicycle for children, have the child sit in the bicycle seat. If the child can comfortably sit with their knees straight and their feet flat on the ground, then the bicycle is the correct size. For adult riders, their knees should be almost straight when their foot is on the pedal in the lowest position while sitting on a bike.
Helmets should be worn at all times when riding a bicycle. When worn correctly, a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85 percent.
To pick a proper helmet, pick one that fits snugly on your head. You should be able to place two fingers between your eyebrows and the helmet. The chin strap should be tight enough that when you open your mouth, the helmet moves downwards.
Cap and Kudler – Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys
For years, the team at Cap and Kudler has worked with hundreds of clients regarding accidents and injuries. We have helped victims of pedestrian and bicyclist accidents get the financial compensation they deserve. If you have any questions regarding a personal injury claim, please call us at (702) 878-8778 or contact us online.
