How can you stay safe on Florida’s roads when you’re a cyclist?

On Behalf of | May 9, 2017 | Personal Injury

As a bicyclist, you’re sure to be happy about rising temperatures and better weather conditions. Those changes mean you can be on the roads and enjoying your daily rides again. Of course, with daily riding comes the danger of being hit by a driver.

Summer is a time where tourists make their way to Florida, so you’re in particular danger then. People who are unfamiliar with the roads could strike you, causing you serious injuries. What can you do to stay safe? Here are a few tips.

1. Avoid these times of day

Bicyclist deaths peak at between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Why? This is normally a time where many vehicles are on the road thanks to rush hour. Additionally, it begins to get dark outside, and as the sun sets, drivers have a harder time seeing cyclists.

2. Don’t drink and bike

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), around one in five cyclists killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. This is an illegal level of alcohol in the blood that could make it harder to make good decisions while riding. Avoid heading out on your bike if you plan to drink; it’s better to hire a taxi.

3. Ride defensively

Making sure you’re on the defense helps you stay safe. Don’t expect drivers to see you — see them instead. Obey all street signs, assume drivers don’t see you and stay focused. Your life could depend on it.

These are just a few tips. Stay safe on the roads, and if you’re hit, you can seek compensation by filing a claim against a negligent driver.

Source: National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, “Bicyclists,” accessed May 09, 2017

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