Bicycle Accident
Guide to Fitting a Bike Helmet Properly
Many Long Beach bicyclists know that wearing a bicycle helmet is one of the most important safety precautions to take before kicking up the kickstand. But there is a little bit more to wearing a helmet than simply picking out the right size or your favorite color. How the helmet is worn can greatly affect how well the helmet prevents injury in the event of a bike crash.
Some of the most common mistakes when wearing a bike helmet include not buckling or tightening the chin strap to ensure the helmet stays securely on the rider’s head. Also, wearing the helmet too low or high on the forehead can leave fragile areas of a rider’s head exposed.
Bicyclist Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver in LA County
Police are still searching for the driver of a silver convertible Ford Mustang who struck a 38-year-old bicyclist at an intersection in Northridge and then sped off. The bicyclist was taken to the nearest hospital where he died a few hours later.
According to police, the biker was crossing the intersection at Plummer St. and Winnetka Ave. around 9 pm when he was struck by a car. Using surveillance footage from the scene, police were able to identify the vehicle believed to be connected to the accident, which had been abandoned just a few blocks away.
Bicycle Safety for Parents and Children in Southern California
Learning to ride a bicycle is a key moment in a child’s life and an excellent way for families to spend time together. Unfortunately, accidents are far too common when bicyclists and other vehicles mix.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 677 bike riders were killed in motor vehicle collisions in 2011, 59 of which were children ages 14 and younger. While no amount of training or preparation can prevent all bicycle accidents from happening, there are a number of safety measures that can help reduce the risk of child bike accidents.
Bike Accidents on the Rise in Long Beach
According to bikelongbeach.org, bicycling has become more prevalent in the city of Long Beach in response to recent campaigns to make the roads more bike-friendly. However, despite efforts to raise safety awareness among bikers and motorists, the number of bicycle-related accidents has steadily increased at an equal rate to the growing number of riders in recent years.
Traffic data for Long Beach reveals that the most common causes of bike accidents since 2002 include:
- Bicyclist riding against oncoming traffic.
- Motorist running a traffic signal or stop sign.
- Bicyclist making an unpredictable move.
- Motorist making a right or left turn without watching for a moving bicyclist.
- Motorist opening a door as a bike passes.
Smart Bicycling Tips to Avoid Long Beach Bike Injuries
The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV would like to remind California residents that bike safety begins with proper bicycle maintenance every time you ride. While hazardous roads or negligent drivers can cause a Long Beach bike accident, it’s important to take every precaution to protect yourself before you set out on the road.
The American League of Bicycles has created a convenient way for cyclists to always make sure their bike is in perfect condition with the ABC Quick Check list:
Paralyzed Bicycle Accident Survivor Walks at Southern California High School Graduation
In 2009, a 14-year-old southern California resident suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him paralyzed from the chest down after he was involved in a bicycle accident. The boy had been riding without a helmet when he fell and hit his head. Doctors and family members were unsure whether the young boy would even survive, and yet, four years later, the now-18-year-old student managed to walk during his graduation ceremony.
Through extensive rehabilitative care, intensive surgical procedures, and the unending support of his family, the student is able to surpass his doctors’ initial conclusion that he would never walk, talk, or eat again. In the coming years, he plans to go on to college, write a book, and become a motivational speaker. His sister hopes that by sharing his story, others will learn the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet.
What Dangers Do Bicyclists Face on Long Beach Roads?
In order to stay safe wherever they go, Long Beach bicyclists should consistently stay aware of their surroundings and what dangers are currently around them or can potentially occur. Even a minor accident can cause long lasting injuries that keep a rider off the roads for an extended period of time.
At The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, we are dedicated to keeping cyclists safe, both in court and on the roads. Keep these potential dangers in mind the next time you are out in order to prevent and lessen any possible accidents that may occur.
Bicycle Master Plan in L.A. Moving Faster than Expected
In 2011, Los Angeles officials released an ambitious Bicycle Master Plan for expanded and improved bikeways throughout the city in order to increase safety and reduce Los Angeles bike accidents. Recently, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced that work on the plan has progressed at a much faster rate than expected, with no signs of slowing down in the future.
According to a report on NeonTommy.com, Villaraigosa revealed at a press conference that 123 miles of bikeway were created in L.A. over the course of the last two years. This amount exceeds the mandated average of 40 new miles per year and has resulted in a total of 431 miles of bikeway throughout the city.
How Can You Make Yourself More Visible While Biking on Long Beach Roads?
At The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, we understand that bicyclists in Long Beach face numerous hazards on the road every day. While road dangers and their own mistakes can cause injury-causing accidents, the most serious harm can come from collisions with motor vehicles. While drivers are obligated to watch out for bicyclists and keep the roads as safe as possible, they often do not even see them until it is too late.
Bicycles are small, fast, and often in places that drivers do not expect them to be. As such, every bicyclist should strive to make themselves as visible as possible while out on the road.
Why is it Important to Wear a Bicycle Helmet?
As the Southern California weather starts warming up, more and more people will be riding their bicycles, whether for exercise, recreation, or even their daily commute to work. But it is important to remember that while riding a bike is more healthful, economical, and environmentally-friendly than driving a car, it is also more dangerous.
Bicyclists have certain rights to the road under California law, but not all other drivers see it that way. Through inattention, distraction, or even just lack of concern or care, drivers of motor vehicles place bike riders in danger and when a multi-ton motor vehicle crashes into or even slightly clips a bicycle, the result can be devastating. This is why experienced Long Beach bicycle accident attorney Joseph H. Low encourages all cyclists to wear the appropriate protective gear, specifically a properly-fitted bike helmet.