Most Common Bicycle Accidents & How to Stay Safe

If you are a bicyclist, you will indeed find yourself having to share the road with drivers that seem to have safety low on their priority list. Some drivers will even go out of their way to be specifically aggressive towards bicyclists. Today, your friends at Impact Medical in Miami are here with information on the most common kinds of accidents cyclists experience and essential safety knowledge for when you are sharing the road.

DANGERS OF THE ROAD

While careless drivers are a primary safety concern for bicyclists, there are other environmental dangers to be aware of. One of these is known as “dooring.” Dooring is when the passenger of a parked car may not notice a rider coming, and they open their car door, causing the bicyclist to collide with it. 

Other hazards can include road debris, potholes, and pedestrians. Finally, of course, we also cannot fail to mention weather conditions. Cyclists can be blinded by the sun, have reduced visibility because of fog, or hit slick spots due to rain or ice. With all of these potential dangers, it is vital to take safety precautions into consideration.

GRAB A HELMET

This is truly rule #1 and the best thing that you can do to increase their safety while riding. 

One of the most common cycling injuries is traumatic brain injury (TBI). It has repeatedly been shown that wearing a helmet designed explicitly for bicyclists significantly reduces the chances of receiving a TBI.

BE SEEN

Much like motorcycle riders, many bicycle riding accidents occur because a driver did not see a cyclist in their path. Riders can combat this problem by assuming that every vehicle on the road doesn’t see them. Do not ever make the dangerous assumption that a motorist sees you.

It is also important to note that many accidents happen during dusk, nighttime, or dawn due to obvious visibility issues. If you are going to be hitting the road during these hours, ensure that you take measures to increase your bike’s visibility by using items such as reflective tape, reflectors, or lights. It also can help to wear brightly colored reflective clothing. While it may seem over-the-top to some, your choice of riding fashion has the potential to save your life. 

DO A CHECK-UP

Before you embark on a bicycle ride, you should always double-check that your bicycle and all of its equipment are in good working order. Check your tires, brakes, gears, chains, and frame. Make sure that any lights are working too. The last thing that you want is to have something like a critical brake failure that sends you into an oncoming car. 

KNOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD

Miami, Florida bike laws are put in place on public roads to keep all users safe. Use bicycle lanes to ride in when they are present and avoid weaving in and out of cars. Ride with traffic, use hand signals, and keep in mind that road signs and traffic signals also apply to you as a cyclist.

IF THE WORST OCCURS

Here at Impact Medical in Miami, we think the best medicine is prevention. Still, if you find yourself the victim of a cycling accident, our skilled staff is prepared to diagnose and treat any injuries you may have sustained. Our team of primary care physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, and manual therapists will work together to create an individualized treatment plan that will get you back to riding in no time. 

Don’t lose valuable days riding in the Miami sunshine to injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. Call the team at Impact Medical Miami today at (786) 789-3171.