With warmer weather, more and more people are riding their bicycles, whether as a means of commute or for leisure. The presence of cyclists on the road increase the risk of accidents.
There are things that both cyclists and motorists can focus on to make sure everyone stays safe on the road.
Safety steps for cyclists
According to the National Safety Council, there has been an increase in cyclists deaths over the years, and around 66% of the wrecks involved other motor vehicles. Cyclists can do their part in reducing accidents by making sure they are visible to other drivers. This means wearing bright clothing, installing a bell or horn and using flashing lights if riding when it is dark.
Cyclists must also follow the same rules of the road that motorists do. This means stopping at stop signs, following light signals and signaling when turning. Wearing a helmet is one of the most important things to do to help reduce the number and severity of injuries in the event there is an accident.
Safety steps for drivers
Drivers must also do their part to keep cyclists safe. To prevent opening a door in front of someone else, using the far hand to open the door will allow for better vision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers should do a thorough search of surroundings, especially at stop signs, in parking lots or when backing up.
When passing cyclists, make sure to leave enough room. This may mean slowing down and waiting until there is room to move into the next lane. Drivers should obey all speed limits and avoid underestimating the speed of surrounding cyclists.
