Evening Safety Tips for Cyclists, Joggers and Pedestrians

1/15/2012
Mark Anderson
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Evening Safety Tips for Cyclists, Joggers and Pedestrians

It’s that time of year when everyone is reinvigorated with the promise of their new year’s resolutions, which for most people usually involves something along the lines of losing weight, fitting into those old jeans or simply just feeling healthier. Since the ball dropped in Times Square, I’ve seen a lot of my folks out about, walking, jogging and cycling around my neighborhood. The only problem is that since it still gets dark so early, there is a very real danger – even on quiet residential streets.

About a month ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released some startling statistics concerning pedestrian fatalities. In 2010, 68,895 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents throughout the United States. That’s an increase of 19 percent from 2009. (2011’s figures will not be released until December this year).

While exercising around your neighborhood is great, it’s also important that you’re aware of the hazards so that you can avoid them. Dusk is a particularly dangerous time to be on the roads since the contrast between a dark road and bright oncoming headlights significantly impairs a driver’s ability to see clearly. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roughly 39 percent of bicycle fatalities occur at nighttime.

Regardless of whether you’re out cycling or running, it’s important that you take precautions to make sure that you can be seen by motorists. Wear high visibility clothing which is reflective if possible, but always choose lighter colors over darker ones. If you’re cycling, make sure that you have light fixed on to your bike and that they are working. You should also wear a high visibility helmet. If you’re jogging or walking, it is wise to take a lightweight flashlight with you to alert oncoming traffic to your presence.

I hope these safety tips help you to stay safe out there. Good luck with your new year’s resolutions!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, call the personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at the Anderson Law Firm for a free, no obligation consultation on your situation. Call 817-294-1900 in Fort Worth, Arlington and Keller, or 214-327-8000 in Dallas.

Category: Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents

Labels: Accident bicycle fatality fort worth lawyer pedestrian wrongful death

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