Motor vehicle drivers have various safety features built into their cars designed to shield them from harm in the event of a traffic collision. Bicyclists, on the other hand, only have whatever safety gear they choose to wear as protection from serious injury—and unfortunately, there is no way to eliminate the possibility that a reckless or careless driver might strike and injure you while you are riding your bike.
If you have been hurt under these circumstances, our bike crash attorneys at Thurswell Law could help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case. However, by following these bicycle safety and preventative measures in Southfield, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting hurt through someone else’s negligence and having to pursue civil litigation as a result.
Wear a Safety Helmet While Riding
Like many other states, Michigan does not legally require bicyclists of any age or experience to wear safety helmets while riding on public roads, separate bike paths, or anywhere else. Our attorneys have seen the outcomes of far too many life-altering bike crashes. Wearing a properly sized and secured safety helmet is the single best precaution you can take when it comes to preventing potentially life-threatening brain trauma from a crash when cycling around Southfield.
Follow Local Traffic Laws and Patterns
Michigan law generally treats cyclists exactly the same as motor vehicle operators, in terms of both the rights afforded to them and the responsibilities imposed on them. Accordingly, you should take every precaution to stay safe by obeying local traffic regulations while riding your bike on Southfield roads. For example, stop at stop signs and red lights, do not ride between traffic lanes, and use hand signals to indicate turns.
How Can You Maximize Your Visibility?
Of course, you can wave your arm to signal a turn, but it still may not be enough to catch the attention of an inattentive driver nearby. Additionally, a driver may not be able to see you clearly because of poor weather or low-light conditions. With that in mind, you can stay safe and visible when biking in Southfield by wearing bright clothing with reflective strips that car headlights can pick up, potentially preventing a collision.
Practice Defensive Riding
Finally, it is worth reiterating that you are most responsible for your own safety, even when the biggest risk to your well-being is someone else’s negligence. Defensive riding is the practice of proactively staying safe by taking an extra second or two to check for reckless or careless actions near you before bicycling through intersections or turning onto Southfield’s streets. Even though someone who drives through a red light or fails to yield would be at fault for a collision, it is always better to avoid that collision if you can.
Call a Southfield Attorney To Learn More About Bicycle Safety and Precautions
Following these basic bicycle safety and preventative measures in Southfield can do a lot to protect you from the reckless or careless actions of others. No preventative strategy is foolproof, however, and it is unfortunately common for careful and considerate bikers to get hurt in traffic collisions that were someone else’s fault.
Fortunately, you have support available from our experienced and compassionate legal professionals who understand your legal options and could pursue compensation for your crash-related losses. Call Thurswell Law today to discuss your possible claim.
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