Sharing the Road Safely – Bicycles
This year, with an increased number of bicycle accidents, I wanted to share a few thoughts and information. In my role as Nurse Navigator, I have had several patients with serious head injuries from their accidents. Statistics show that 85% of head injuries can be prevented by wearing a properly fitted helmet. I share this not to blame or shame anyone, but instead to show the impact of what one simple intervention can do. A few other simple, easy interventions that bike riders can do to increase safety are to have lights and reflective gear on the bike and on the rider.
Another important aspect to remember when sharing the road is knowing the responsibilities and rules of the road and following them. Bicycles, whether an e-bike or a regular bike, are required to follow the same rules on the road as vehicles are. A few examples include waiting in the line of vehicles at a stop sign instead of riding on the right side of all the vehicles to make a right-hand turn and stopping at all stop signs and red lights instead of riding through them to make a right-hand turn.
Accidents are just that, accidents and can never be anticipated. While the interventions mentioned above are not a complete list, they are interventions that can be utilized to help prevent and reduce this risk of accidents and injuries.
