Stay safe when riding a bicycle in Connecticut

Stay safe when riding a bicycle in Connecticut this summer

Take time to review bicycle safety tips to stay safe on the road this summer.

During the summer, it is common for many people in Connecticut to hop on a bicycle to commute to work, for exercise or merely to enjoy a pleasant afternoon. Unfortunately, in some cases, this popular pastime can be dangerous or even deadly, when motorists on the road are not driving safely.

When a car collides with a bicycle, the consequences are obviously going to be more severe for the bicyclist involved. Therefore, if you are planning to ride a bike this summer in Connecticut, you should be aware of the frequency of bicycle accidents in our area and the steps you can take to protect yourself when on the road.

The numbers: Bike accident statistics

According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, there are over 600 bicycle accidents in the state each year. Connecticut is the 18th most deadly state for bicyclists in the nation, as 19 bicyclists lost their lives in collisions from 2010 to 2012.

Across the country, the statistics aren’t much better. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 800 bicyclists died in collisions in 2010 and over half a million people required emergency room medical care after a bicycle accident.

Safety tips for bicyclists in Connecticut

When riding a bike in Connecticut, the Department of Transportation recommends a number of safety measures to avoid a crash. For instance, bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorists. In other words, if you are approaching a stop sign, you need to stop just as the driver of a vehicle would be required to do.

It is a good idea to wear a helmet whenever you’re riding a bike. The state DOT reports that almost three-quarters of all deadly bicycle accidents involve a head injury.

In addition, you should wear bright clothing that makes it easy to spot you on the road. It is also wise to ride defensively. In other words, don’t assume that other motorists are watching you and are taking care to avoid a crash.

Talk to a personal injury lawyer after a bicycle accident

When a negligent motorist causes a bicycle accident, the bicyclist will likely suffer serious injuries that require medical attention. In such cases, the hospital bills and time off work can be overwhelming for the injured bicyclist.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bicycle accident, you need the help of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. Consult with the lawyers at Adler Law Group, LLC to ensure your interests are protected.

Keywords: bicycle, accident, safety, Connecticut