According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 43,000 cyclists were injured in accidents involving a bike and a car in 2007. Many of these accidents are caused by motorists who either don't see, or don't give the right of way to, cyclists. Knowing how to avoid accidents while you're on riding on the road could save you from serious injury or worse.
Lights & Reflectors
Headlights, rear lights, reflectors on your bicycle and reflective clothing all make you more visible during dusk and nighttime hours. Even riding with your lights on during the day may help a motorist see you a split-second sooner, which is all the time the driver may need to avoid an accident.
Sound Warnings
A simple bell or better, like a loud air horn, can let motorists know you are coming. These may not help if a driver has his window rolled up or is playing his radio loudly, but anything you can do to make motorists aware of you during your ride is a good thing.
Wear a Helmet
If you are hit by a car, have something catch in your spokes, hit a pothole or have your bike stopped short for any other reason, you will likely go over the handlebars headfirst. While broken ribs, arms and legs can be painful, a head injury can be fatal. Even if you avoid death, a serious head injury can leave you with brain damage. Buy and use a helmet made specifically for cycling and your age range.
Just because you're an adult doesn't mean you don't need a helmet. More than 75 percent of cyclists injured in bike-car accidents were older than 14, according to the NHTSA.
Ride with Traffic
Safety and health organization American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) advises cyclists to ride with traffic, not facing oncoming motorists. According to the AAP, riders coming toward motorists startle and confuse them and lead to more accidents. Also, each state has its own laws, and riding with traffic may be one of them. Know your state and local laws.
Slow at Intersections
Even if you have a green light with no other oncoming traffic, slow down before crossing every intersection in the event a driver on a cross street does not see you and makes a wide right turn on red or simply goes through a red light. Riding defensively will allow you to make an adjustment when a motorist makes a mistake.
Don't Wear Hoods
In cold weather, wear a hat, not a hooded jacket or coat. Hoods do not always fit snugly, and when you turn your head, the hood may not turn with you, leaving you staring into the side of your hood, unable to see what's to the side of you or behind you.
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