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Ride Predictably to Avoid Virginia Bicycle Accident
Ride Predictably to Avoid Virginia Bicycle Accident
Bike riding is a fun activity and, for many people, it is also an effective, efficient method of transportation. However, as you are out enjoying your favorite activity, you may not realize the dangers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 1,000 bicyclists are killed and another 306,000 are hurt every year in collisions with motor vehicles. To reduce the risk of serious bicycle accidents, you probably heed the typical advice of wearing a helmet, keeping your bike in top condition, and donning other safety gear. What you may not realize is that riding predictably is also key to protecting yourself.
Being predictable around motorized vehicles puts you in control and only requires you to adhere to a few safety practices. You cannot avoid all crashes caused by negligent drivers, so it is important to contact a Virginia bicycle accident attorney if you were hurt. Some tips on predictable bike riding may also be useful.
Why Predictable Riding Reduces Bicycle Accidents
When you ride in a way that gives other drivers advance notice of your maneuvers in traffic, they are in a better position to avoid hitting you. At its core, predictable riding is communication. You are telling motorists what you intend to do or not do, so they can adjust their own moves and prevent a crash.
This strategy might sound like nothing more than defensive driving, but predictable riding is a more proactive approach. You are not just protecting yourself; you are helping the motorist. Bike collisions are rarely the result of intentional acts, but carelessness can be deadly. A driver does not want to be involved in an incident any more than a rider, so be predictable to work together.
Tips on How to Ride Predictably
Doing the expected is central to predictable bike riding, so start with some basic practices:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic, on the shoulder or a designated bike lane.
- Avoid traveling on sidewalks, since drivers probably do not expect you to be there.
- When riding in a bicycle lane, maintain your course. Do not swerve in and out of the boundaries, and never make a left turn by crossing all lanes of traffic from the right.
- Use arm signals to let other motorists know that you are about to turn.
- Never drive between lanes of traffic that is stopped or slowed, a practice known as “lane splitting.”
- Comply with traffic signage, including red lights and stop signs.
- Follow all other traffic laws, keeping in mind that the rules of the road also apply to you.
A Virginia Bicycle Accidents Lawyer Will Protect Your Rights
Despite strict adherence to predictable riding tips and following other safety tips, bike collisions are still a threat to riders. If you were injured in an incident caused by a motorist’s negligence, please call Hampton Injury Law to schedule a case evaluation. A Virginia bicycle accident attorney can advise you on your options, including filing a claim to recover compensation for your losses.
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*2022 settlement: Virginia Lawyers Weekly January 30, 2023 edition
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