Riding a bicycle can be dangerous, because drivers don’t always expect to see a cyclist on the road. To help prevent accidents, you can’t always rely on others to do their part or to recognize that you’re in front of or beside them. Instead, focus on what you can do to stay safe, like making sure to use a headlight and to wave at motorists to make yourself seen.
When you’re hit by a dangerous driver, you deserve to be compensated and your attorney can help you with that. However, the best situation is one where you never get hit at all. Waving at a driver can make them aware of your presence, especially if you don’t think he or she noticed you the first time he or she looked in your direction. If that fails, slow down, because the driver may not be aware of your presence, and if you continue, you could get into an accident.
Headlights can help you be seen in the mornings and evenings when the light is fading fast. Get one with a blinking function, since these stand out and make drivers aware that someone is coming. You can also get a headlamp for your helmet, which will help you direct a light at a driver if you don’t feel he or she sees you.
Failing the above, riding further to the left can help. It may seem counterintuitive, since you’ll be in the roadway more directly, but if you aren’t tucked against the curb, drivers are more likely to see you and be sure not to hit you.
Source: Bicycle Safe, “Ten Ways to Not Get Hit,” accessed Jan. 22, 2016