A majority of bicycle accident fatalities happen at night because of limited visibility. Washington law requires riders to have a rear deflector and a small headlight. These small precautions are not enough. Bicycles are so much smaller than passenger vehicles and so much quieter than motorcycles so they can be easily overlooked. You must make an effort to be seen at all times. Here are a few safety suggestions to increase your visibility and reduce your chances of getting into a serious bicycle accident.
Accessory Lights
Washington state law (RCW 46.61.780) requires cyclists at night to use a white front light that can be seen up to 500 feet away. This is not a suggestion, it’s the law. There are also other accessories you can use to enhance safety while riding. Rear blinking LED taillights have become popular and are a good way to help cars behind you to see you. They are particularly effective because they are unique to bike riders. Car approaching a small blinking light know that they are getting close to a bike rider.
Reflectors
The standardized rear reflector is red, but you have options for any other reflectors you choose to use. It can be a good idea to attach additional reflectors to other flat surfaces on your bike or to any bags you typically wear while riding. Round and oblong amber reflectors are particularly popular and easy to see at night. If you would like to be even more visible than a typical bike reflector can make you, consider oversized reflectors sold at auto part stores.
Adhesive Reflective Tape
This can be a great way to make parts of your bike more visible in the dark. You can choose the inexpensive route and buy some adhesive reflective tape from a bike shop or you can spring for the higher quality “diamond-grade” tape sold at auto parts stores and marine supply stores. Consider putting 1-inch wide reflective tape on your helmet and the backside of your bike.
Adhesive Fabric Tape / Reflective Cloth Trim
You should also consider stitching reflective cloth trim on the back of your biking gloves. This will make your hand signals more visible at night. If you have a rain jacket you use while biking you could attach reflective tape to the back of your jacket.
Bike Horn
You probably haven’t had a bike horn since you were a child, but a proper adult bike air horn can make sure you are heard. Most horns attach to the handlebars. Air horns even have an air bottle that you can mount onto another part of you bike.
Wear Bright Clothing
Day or night riding will be safer if you are wearing bright colors. Consider a yellow jacket or shirt to increase your chances of being seen.
No number of precautions can completely prevent a bicycle accident. You can only do your best to make sure car drivers see you. If you have been injured in a Washington bicycle accident because of a driver’s negligence or wrongdoing, you need the assistance of an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that you receive fair compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, treatment and care. Please call The Bernard Law Group today for a free consultation.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON – CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
