Bicycle Accidents--What You Must Know

Bicycle accidents are easily preventable if you understand the rules of the road. Still, even when all precautions and laws are obeyed, a bicyclist is still at risk for an accident.

Being in the right is not enough. You don't want to be dead right. Defensive driving is important for motorists and even more important for cyclists.

Bicycle accidents can be rather severe and you should know your rights if you are involved in one so that you can be fully protected under the law.

Safe Bicycling Laws

Bicycle safety starts with a bicyclist understanding the laws regarding safe bicycling. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, knowing the laws can be of great help. Of course, knowing and following the laws are the best way to prevent accidents and to protect yourself if you are in an accident. If you are on the bicycle and you are obeying the laws then you will be the one in the right legally, after an accident.

Bicycle laws vary from state to state and usually correspond with that state's driving laws. There are laws regarding the equipment and laws regarding the road.

Generally, bike equipment laws include that the bicycle has working brakes, handlebars are in a proper position and the size of the bike fits the rider. After dark, bike riders are required to have a light on the front of the bike and a reflector on the rear and on pedals.

Road rules for the bicycle rider include obeying all traffic signals and signs, signaling when turning, riding as close to the edge of the roadway as possible and obeying all other traffic laws.

Prohibited Activities

In addition to the rules and laws the bicycle rider must follow, bicyclists must also refrain from certain activities while on the roadways. These restrictions are for the safety of both those riding a bicycle and for other vehicles on the road.

Prohibited activities include:

- hitching to a vehicle

- using a seat that is not permanently fixed

- riding with additional passengers not in a legal seat

- riding without both hands on the handlebars

The Department of Transportation or local authorities have the right to prohibit or restrict bicyclists on any roadway or area. These areas will have signs in place to warn of the restrictions.

If you are riding a bicycle and you are not obeying the laws, then you can be found at fault in an accident. That is why understanding the bicycle laws and regulations in your area are very important. The first step in keeping yourself safe while riding a bicycle is understanding these laws and following them.

Of course, even laws and regulations cannot completely guarantee that you will be safe. If you feel unsafe or unsure when riding your bicycle you have to be careful and get out of the situation. You need to look out for yourself. On the roadway, bicyclists are the ones that are at the most risk of being severely injured in an accident. It is always wise to try to avoid dangerous situations while riding on the roadways. Obeying the rules and staying alert while on the roadways is the best way to avoid a bicycle accident.

Rex Bush handles personal injury cases in Utah. For info on injury issues visit his website: Personal Injury Utah. Should you hire an injury lawyer? Visit this page: Utah Injury Lawyer.