How Can Bicyclists Reduce Their Risks of Crashing With Trucks

INTRO

Cycling is an extremely healthy as well as an environment-friendly option for transportation. However, it can turn out to be quite dangerous on busy roads. A negligent or erroneous bicyclist can succumb to major accidents. Numerous incidents of bicycle-truck crashes are reported every year. Implementing the right steps can help in avoiding such accidents. Let's take a look at some of these here.

Attach Reflectors to Your Bicycle

Since bicycles are much smaller compared to trucks, they can be difficult to locate for a truck driver from a distance. Additionally, the height at which truck drivers are seated can work against the visibility as well. Attaching reflectors on the wheels as well as the front and back of your bicycle can be quite helpful. Additionally, wearing brightly colored clothing will ensure that you are easy to locate by the truck driver.

Make Eye Contact With Truck Drivers

One of the best ways to ensure that the truck driver has seen you is by making eye contact with him/her. Once the truck driver is aware of your presence, the chances of accidents will be reduced. Since this can be difficult at night, you should install headlights in your cycle and keep these on.

Avoid Blind Spots

Owing to the large size of trucks, the blind spots stretch across large areas. The blind spots of trucks stretch along the front, rear as well as the sides of the truck. Therefore, you should never ride your bicycle in these zones to avoid chances of accidents. It is wise to maintain a safe distance between your bicycle and the truck and ensure that you are visible to the truck driver at all times.

Use Hand Signals to Communicate With Drivers

Since bicycles do not have turn signals, you can consider using your hand to convey your intention of taking a turn, changing lanes etc. to the truck driver. It is important to learn about the accurate hand signals for different tasks.

Follow the Traffic Rules

Cyclists should follow the same traffic rules as that of the other vehicles on the road. You should wear a helmet at all times and avoid changing lanes abruptly. Staying in the lane specified for cyclists is important. Avoid listening to music while riding since this can turn out to be a major cause of distraction. You should always stay alert and look out for trucks, other vehicles and pedestrians.

CONCLUSION

Following these tips will reduce the chances of accidents considerably. That being said, possibilities of accidents can hardly be eliminated since these are unforeseen circumstances. In the event of an accident, you should immediately get in touch with a truck accident lawyer to retrieve the compensation you deserve.

Designed and Compiled by:

Houston OfficeBaumgartner Law Firm

6711 Cypress Creek ParkwayHouston,TX 77069

P (281) 893-0760TF (866) 758-4529

www.texas-truckaccidentlawyer.com