Bicycle accidents are common and often result in significant injuries. It is important while riding to make yourself seen and your intentions clear. Bikes do not have the luxury of brake lights and turn signals. So cars have a difficult time knowing where bike riders are going. Using proper hand signals can help alert the cars on the road when you are turning, stopping or changing lanes. Being seen and properly communicating with other vehicles on the road are the best way to avoid unnecessary bicycle accidents.

Before Signaling

Simply using the correct hand signals is not enough. Car drivers need enough time to react to your signals.

• Make sure you are riding with traffic on the right-hand side.
• Make sure you signal well before you actually need to turn so that the cars behind you can slow down or stop in time.
• Check behind you before assuming your signal will be seen and understood. Looking behind you will communicate your intention to turn or change lanes.
• Remember to use your left arm when making all signals. Since you are riding on the right-hand side of the road, your left arm will be the most visible to traffic.

Signaling To Stop

The stop signal is handy when riding with a pack of cyclists or when a car is following you closely. Remember to keep your right hand on the handlebar to maintain control of the bike. Remember to use this signal early enough to allow for others to stop in time. Extend your left arm down your side and turn your palm back. The riders or drivers behind you will see your palm to let them know you are planning to stop.

Signaling To Slow Down

Sometimes you don’t need to come to a complete stop but you do need to reduce your speed. In these instances you will make sure your palm is facing behind you in the stop position. Extend your left arm straight out and then bend you arm at the elbow created an upside down L. It is easy to change this signal to the full stop position by simply lowering your arm.

Signaling A Right Hand Turn

Letting the driver or riders behind you know that you are turning right is important. Cars planning on turning right will need to know to watch out for you making the same turn. Extend your left arm straight out and then turn your arm at a right degree angle so that your hand is pointing up. Instead of an upside down L like the slow down position, the right hand turn signal should look like a right side up L.

Signaling A Left Hand Turn

The left hand turn signal may be the most important signal you can use. Cars behind you will need to know you are going to turn left because you will have to cross the lane and then cross traffic. Extend your left arm straight out to the left. This signal basically looks like you are pointing in the direction you are turning.

Always remember to wear a helmet, to do all you can to be visible, and to ride with due caution at all times. In the event of a bicycle accident you may need to file a personal injury claim to recover fair compensation for your injuries and losses. The experienced and knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys at The Bernard Law Group have a successful track record of protecting the rights of bicycle riders in Washington. Call us 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!