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Avoid a Bicycle Accident - Adult Safety Tips

As an experienced accident attorney, who has helped many victims of cycling accidents and their families in Gainesville, Ocala and the surrounding areas, I recognize that adult bike safety saves lives. In a crash, a bike is no match for a 3,000 pound car.

Cycling safety in Florida is especially important because Florida ranks second nationwide in pedestrian and bicycling accidents-partly due to the excellent warm weather that Floridians enjoy. http://www.nationalsafetycommission.com/alerts/2009/04/pedestrian-and-bicycle-safety_16.php

Preventative, "defensive driving" measures to avoid a bike accident all together can be more effective than relying on secondary measures-such as wearing a helmet. Here are some tips to avoid a potentially deadly crash:

• Drive your Bike. Be predictable and obey state and local traffic laws. Cyclists are responsible for following all of the same traffic laws as motor vehicles.
• Don't Pass on the Right. Motorists regularly do not look to their right for passing vehicles, including bikes. Observe the normal flow of traffic.
• Understand and Anticipate Common Crash Scenarios. Florida Bicycle Association provides color diagrams of potentially deadly crash scenarios like the "Overtaking Right Hook," the parking lot "Door Prize," or the "Pothole Plunge." http://www.floridabicycle.org/rules/driveyourbike.html#crashescyclist
• Wear a properly fitted helmet, even if not required by law. Helmets can save your brain, even in the event of a minor crash.
• Be Visible. Wear light or brightly colored clothing. If you must ride at night, make sure to properly equip your bike with appropriate lights required by law.
• Stay Alert. Be aware of traffic around you, potential obstacles, parked vehicles in parking lots, driveways, intersections, high congestion areas, and delivery trucks and semis. Headphones and headsets are prohibited by law and inhibit your senses.
• Maintain proper working order of your bike-tires, handlebars, brakes, seat, lights. If it's been a while, test them out before riding with traffic.
• Brush up on your hand signals, so motorists can anticipate your actions at least 100 feet before you turn or "make a move."

For More Information:

NHTSA Bicycle Safety Video for Adults (2006)

BIKESAFE Countermeasures, U.S. Department of Transportation:

Bicyclists - Know the Law and Stay Alive

 
Mr. Meldon strongly believes that public education is step one in the prevention of an accident or in the recovery from one. 

As one of the top local Gainesville Personal Injury Attorneys (Accident Lawyer), Jeffrey Meldon, takes pride in his work and the results he and in his experienced Associates and Staff get for their clients.  

He and his unique law office works hard to help accident victims get the justice and the fair settlement or jury verdict that they deserve thoughout the North and Central Florida area including: Ocala, Lake City, Daytona Beach and Inverness. 

Attorney Meldon is highly involved with every case in his office and is the top negotiator with insurance companies. "He is the one you want to be fighting for you on your side!" 

You can feel free to give him a call at 1 800 373 8000 or contact his office, with any questions you may have, or to discuss your unique case.

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