Preventing bicycle accidents
The best way to protect against bike
accidents is to avoid them all together.
For example, when have you heard of two elevators colliding? Never,
because they are designed to stay in their track and only one car can be in the
shaft. Although you cannot isolate
yourself like a elevator car while riding bicycle; you can minimize your
exposure to hazards. Ride away from
oppositely traveling vehicles always, and keep good clearance from vehicles
traveling in the same direction as you.
Here is a few pointers on how to minimize risk and avoid accidents.
Never
assume they will maintain their lane, move over, or slow down, give
them their way as if they will not see you there.
Look
back only when it is safe to do so, as many riders will travel in the direction
they turn their heads; often into traffic.
Keep
away from the lane of traffic of any vehicle whenever possible, even if you
must go on the grass or rough terrain and or slow down.
Use
all of your senses to detect hazards and other vehicles; do not plug your ears
or listen to music as hearing is a critical hazard detector (vehicles, animals,
pedestrians, riders, etc.). And, do not
wear dark eyewear unless it is too bright to see well.
Plan
your route, and take the reasonably safest path, even if it adds miles and time
to your trip.
Ride
during the day, in non-rush hours, and under dry conditions whenever possible,
and watch the weather for the day before you ride.
Ride
as if no one can see you. Yield to
vehicles or pedestrians as if they are trying to hit you. Assume every driver is a distracted and
unreasonable driver.
Stretch,
and warm up prior to riding, and perform strength training often to maintain a
adequate body strength in case you need to respond to a dire situation
physically. Swerving to avoid an
obstacle or avoiding a fall can often depend on your body strength and fitness
level.
Attempt
to keep a low body weight, as it will help you to better bike and to have less
mass in the event of a crash.
Keep
your equipment, bike, and gear in good working condition, as good brakes,
tires, quality sports wear may prevent an accident.
Keep
hydrated, rested, energized (with food) and fit; these will keep you alert and
help you make better decisions and take accident avoiding action.
Keep
your protective equipment on while riding, including helmet, eyewear, gloves,
and proper clothes and shoes.
Helmets
are proven to minimize severe head injury, gloves generally give you better
grip and will protect your skin in case of a fall, eyewear is important because
bugs and debris are abound in open air, and flexible and weather-appropriate
clothing can be critical for sudden maneuvers.
Proper
shoes are highly recommended as they may help you keep your feet on the pedals, and protect
your feet in case of a fall or crash.
Wear
bright colored clothes; it helps other see you.
Also,
wear bright colored gloves and signal your intentions like turning, yielding,
stopping, or going ahead; communication helps a lot.
Don’t
get curved in. Don’t remain on a narrow
shouldered road that has a curve (raised concrete step); as getting off the
road is difficult when these are present, and may prevent you from avoiding
traffic.