It’s a jungle out there on the roads! Some drive aggressively like it’s all about “survival of the fittest.” Others hug the center lanes, traveling 15 miles per hour under the posted speed limit while death-gripping the steering wheel like they’re dangling over the rim of the Grand Canyon on a rope.
Toss over 42 million tourists into the mix, whether they’re walking or driving. Add a ton of distractions like 20 story high animated signs and sites as diverse as brides on roller skates to Hollywood A-listers in the midst of marital spats. Spice the concoction up with saw-toothed roads and cone zones. Now, go about navigating this maelstrom on two wheels with only pedal power at your disposal and it’s no wonder Las Vegas is the 3rd worst city in America for bike accidents on a per capita basis
Most Dangerous Cities for Bicyclists
Albuquerque, NM- Tucson, AZ
- Las Vegas, NV
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Jose, CA
- Columbus, OH
- San Francisco, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Philadelphia, PA
- Los Angeles, CA.
Bike Riding Safety
Bicycle riding can be unforgiving, so preventative maintenance of equipment, attentive riding, and defensive driving are musts.
Be sure to keep your bicycle well maintained. Check tire pressure, brakes, reflectors and lights before riding. Always wear a helmet and be mindful to set a good example for children.- Keep both hands on the handlebars at all times. Juggling items on your lap and constantly adjusting them with your hands or hanging grocery bags off your handlebars are invitations to disaster. Please don’t do this.
- Keep your eyes actively moving from road surfaces to the constantly changing conditions of your surroundings, including pedestrians and traffic.
- Wear other protective gear besides a helmet. Elbow pads, riding gloves, and rearview mirrors are good options. Always wear reflective material and clothing at night.
- Know and obey the rules and regulations of the roadways. Use hand signals.
- Pre-plan your route to make good use of established bike lanes.
- Remember, even when the weather is cool, our arid air will suck the moisture out of you. Travel with water or a drink you find suitable to stay hydrated.
- A minimal yet effective tool kit or a biking tool is always a nice carry-along.
- Always be evaluating and pre-thinking traffic situations you see up ahead and all around you.
- Adapt to the unique hazards of traveling on two wheels instead of four. Rocks, road debris, sand and oil, potholes and cracks, dogs, and suddenly opening car doors may be of little consequence to cars, but they can ruin your future forever.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Las Vegas Are Uniquely Qualified to Help
The relatively high volume of bicycling accidents in the greater Las Vegas area uniquely qualifies our local personal injury attorneys. They tend to have more experience handling these types of accidents.
Get Professional Legal Help when Involved in a Bicycle Accident
Think about bicycle accidents within the same frame of reference you use for vehicle accidents. Don’t make the mistake of brushing them off.
Of course, when a bike meets a car, truck, or another motorized vehicle, we know all know which one wins. And which driver sustains the most serious injuries. Remember that “same frame of reference” advice? If there are injuries, immediately call for emergency assistance. File appropriate reports, exchange information, gather witnesses, photos, and documentation as best you can. If you are personally injured, do not wait to pursue medical intervention and legal assistance from a Las Vegas car accident lawyer.
Conclusion
Got to love Las Vegas! But when you or a loved one has been body slammed to the ground during a bike accident, your instant road rash is just the beginning. Don’t take the path alone. Always seek the assistance of a qualified personal injury attorney. Enough. Said. Call. Ed.