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Miami is a city where people like to work hard and play hard. Because we live in a city with the gorgeous year-round weather, we get to enjoy our favorite outdoor activities whenever we want. Among the most popular is bicycle riding. However, some scary statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission indicate Miami is one of the most dangerous cities to bike ride. According to the NHTSC, Miami-Dade County ranked second in the state for bike riding deaths in 2013. Only Broward County ranked higher. It is easy to blame Miami’s population for the huge numbers. But there are some other factors involved. They are keeping Miami personal injury lawyers extremely busy. Here are some helpful tips on how to ride your bike safely in Miami.
Obey the Rules of the Road
Miami presents several challenges for bike riders. Like any big city, cyclists find themselves in close proximity to cars, trucks, motorcycles, taxi cabs and other vehicles. It is important for cyclists to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicles. In far too many cases, people on bicycles often fall victim to bad habits. One of the worst things you can do is ride against traffic. Even if you are on the shoulder or side of the road, you are placing yourself in harm’s way. You are not only endangering yourself, you are also placing the lives of pedestrians and motorists at risk. Make sure you always comply with all traffic signs and signals.
Avoid Distractions
The use of cell phones isn’t just dangerous for drivers. The same goes for people on bicycles. Avoid texting and riding while on the road. In addition to cell phones, many bike riders like to listen to music on their headsets. While the sound of traffic can be annoying, it is important to hear the sounds of sirens and horns avoid an accident. Your best decision is to leave the headphones at home and focus on your surroundings.
Ride Defensively
Too many cyclists like to take chances. Instead of waiting for traffic to clear, some will try to dash in front of traffic to cross a street. It is a risk not worth taking. If you plan to make a turn, always signal first. It gives other motorists a clear indication of your intent. Always try to anticipate trouble. For example, many Miami bike riders suffer injuries while riding near parked cars. Always anticipate the chance of someone opening their car door. There is also a chance a driver will start moving their vehicle without properly seeing the cyclist. It can bring disastrous results.
Miami personal injury lawyers oversee a variety of cases. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are among the most common. But even if you follow the advice listed above, it does not guarantee your safety. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of others, it is critical to seek legal representation from a Miami personal injury lawyer. It allows accident victims to recover the compensation need to pay for their medical bills and damages. To learn more, contact a personal injury attorney today.
