The Causes of Bicycle Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Many areas have implemented safe bicycle lanes that allow cyclists to travel outside of the car lanes. This has helped to avoid some injuries, but not all of them. The University of Buffalo reported that even with the bike lane, the number of accidents is roughly the same between cyclists and automobile lanes.  The University of Buffalo also reported that the main contributors to bicycle accidents are as follows:

• Poor Lighting. Night time has been the reason behind several accidents involving cyclists. Although there are some requirements as to wearing protective and reflective gear, there are still more accidents at night than during the day time.
• Whenever someone drinks alcohol, their reaction time, vision, and sense to make the right decisions is highly impaired. This can be the case for an automobile driver, a motorcycle driver, or a cyclist.
• Taking a leisurely pace can prevent accidents. You might be in a hurry, but it is not worth your safety or your life. There are speed limits posted on every highway or road and these are to be followed especially by automobiles. It is safe to travel slightly below the speed limit, but never above it.

Preventing Bicycle Accidents

You don’t have to be the one riding the bicycle to help prevent accidents. There are several ways that you can learn and instruct your children or friends to ride a bike safely.

1. Follow the rules. Traffic laws are put into place to help keep the roadways safe to travel on. Even though a bicycle might not have a motor, the operator of that bike should always follow the traffic rules on the roadways. For example, if a cyclist decides to coast through a red light because their bikes are smaller and can quickly maneuver, it can be impacted by an opposing vehicle trying to continue straight during their green light.
2. Teach Safe Riding Techniques to Children. When a child learns something at an early age, chances are they are going to continue the same behavior throughout their lives. Having a path or designated area that children can safely ride on is suggested.
3. Wear the proper gear. A helmet can save a life. With bicycles and motorcycles there is not added protection to the human body. When thrown, the body is very fragile and it can be fatal. With the added protection of a helmet and proper clothing the chances of an accident become fatal are smaller.