May is National Bike Safety Month, an important month for New York bicyclists. Although rates of car and truck crashes have gone down over the past decade, the rate of bicycle injuries on New York roadways has actually increased, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
You can help keep yourself and those you care about safer on bicycles this summer by knowing the top causes of bicycle accident injury and how to avoid them. As always, never hesitate to speak to an experienced New York bicycle injury lawyer if you are hurt in a crash this summer.
According to the National Survey on Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behaviors, the top three causes of bicyclist injuries include:
- Being hit by a car. This one event accounts for one in every three bicycle accidents. Bicyclists can wear helmets and reflective clothing to help protect themselves, and motorists should always look carefully for bicycles while driving.
- Dangerous roadways. Potholes, cracks in the pavement, and “blind” curves and corners can all cause a serious crash. Pay careful attention to the condition of the roads you’re riding on, and choose bike lanes or trails whenever you can.
- Rider distraction. Distracted bicycling can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. Not only are you less likely to see dangers in your path, you’re more likely to hit a pedestrian or another bicyclist if you allow your attention to wander while riding. Pay careful attention to your surroundings and consider investing in a rear view mirror for your bicycle to improve your view of potential hazards.