If you enjoy riding your bicycle throughout Knoxville, you should know that navigating the roads alongside cars and trucks can be dangerous. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that approximately 743 people were killed and an additional 48,000 people were injured while riding their bikes nationwide in 2013. A number of motorists involved in bicycle accidents admitted that they simply did not see the bike at the time of the incident. Although negligent motorists are a definite problem in Tennessee and across the country, there are some things you can do to decrease your risk of becoming the victim of a serious accident.
Whether you are on a busy road or cycling on a back street, it is important to maximize your visibility. According to AAA, you should always purchase bright-colored clothing that is made from reflective materials. Furthermore, you can highlight parts of your bike, helmet or clothing by using reflective bike tape. This is extremely important to use when you are riding in the dark, as up to 60 percent of bike accidents occur at night, according to LifeTimeFitness.com.
As a biker, you should always ride in designated bike lanes or alongside traffic where vehicles can see you. If possible, try to avoid riding during peak traffic times. Always ride defensively, and keep your eyes open for possible negligent motorists. While you cannot control the actions of others, you can be sure that you are ready to respond to an unexpected event.
This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.