TThose who live in the local New Orleans area understand that this is a great place to have a good time. The weather is beautiful, the food is delicious, and Mardi Gras is absolutely amazing. Bourbon Street is absolutely packed, and a lot of people find it is easier to get around if they ride a bicycle instead of driving a car. At the same time, a bicycle accident can happen at any time, and it is important for people to speak to aNew Orleans bicycle accident lawyerafter seeking medical care. It is also important for people to be familiar with some of the top safety tips when riding a bicycle in New Orleans.
Always Wear a Helmet
First, you need to make sure that you always wear a helmet when you ride a bike in New Orleans. Even though this may sound obvious, a lot of people do not wear a helmet when they ride a bike. Maybe they find them uncomfortable, or perhaps they feel like they are good enough at riding a bike to forgo a helmet. Remember that an accident can happen at any time, and if you strike your head on the pavement, the results could be severe. A helmet is critical for preventing a traumatic brain injury from taking place. Make sure you have a recent, intact helmet that you always wear whenever you put your feet on the pedals. The helmet could save your life.
Ride With the Flow of Traffic
Next, you should ride with the flow of traffic. A lot of people who ride a bike do not understand where they are supposed to ride. Some people ride a bike on the sidewalk, while other people decide to ride a bike on the road but against the flow of traffic. When you ride a bike, you are expected to obey the same traffic laws as a motor vehicle. This means riding with the flow of traffic. If there is a bike lane available, you should take advantage of it, but if there is not a bike lane available, make sure you obey all traffic laws. Think about what you would do if you were driving a car. You need to do the same thing if you ride a bike. Riding with the flow of traffic can go along way toward reducing your chances of being involved in an accident.
Make Yourself Easier To Spot
Finally, make yourself easy to spot. Bicycles have a very narrow silhouette, and it is easy for motor vehicle drivers to overlook them. Try to wear brightly colored clothing. Make sure there is a reflector on your bicycle. If you can find a bicycle that is brightly colored, that would be even better. You should also reconsider riding your bicycle at night, where you are particularly difficult to see. If you make yourself easier to spot, you can reduce your chances of being involved in an accident. Make it easy for drivers to see you.
Stay Safe When Riding a Bike in New Orleans
There is so much to do in New Orleans, and traffic can get heavy from time to time. As a result, many people decide to ride a bicycle instead. A bicycle accident can happen anytime, and even a minor bicycle accident can lead to significant injuries. That is why it is important for everyone to do what they can to prevent bike accidents from happening. If you keep these safety tips in mind, you will have an easier time preventing injuries from developing while riding a bike in the local area.
