This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Reducing The Risks of Tragic Bicycle Accidents

A Deadly Reminder of the Dangers of Bike Riding

This past Sunday at 9:38 pm, a woman making a turn from West Street onto Montgomery Street in Danbury, CT struck a 7-year old boy on a bicycle. Tragically, the injuries resulted in the death of this young man. This devastating accident should give us cause to stop and think about the perils of bicycle riding and the dangerous and sometimes fatal consequences that can result.

Nationally in 2009, over 51,000 cyclists were injured and, unfortunately, 630 of those people were killed. In Connecticut, there is an average of 289 injuries and 8 deaths every year involving bicyclists. Not suprisingly, fatality and injury rates in Connecticut are highest for males ages 5 to 19. To help avoid accidents, cyclists should do at least the following:

1. Always wear protective head gear- It is required by law for children and provides much need protection from head injuries;

Find out what's happening in Ridgefieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2. Wear reflective or bright clothing- This will allow you to be visible in even dimly lit situations;

3. Make sure you can safely operate a bicycle before heading out on the streets. Inexperienced cyclists should get the necessary training and experience before heading out on the open roads;

Find out what's happening in Ridgefieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

4. Be hypersensitive to others on the roadway- Biking on public roads can be very difficult.  Noise and traffic from automobiles and pedestrians can sometimes be quite distracting. Motor vehicle operators sometimes have trouble seeing cyclists because of their less visible nature which can result in dangerous situations. Therefore it is always important that you expect the unexpected;

5. Follow the Law- Make sure you learn and comply with all laws related to bicycle use, the bulk of which are designed to protect you;

6. Wear a Light- A constant headlight is mandatory when biking on roadways at night. A light on ones head or helmet is preferable, as it can be pointed directly at a driver by looking at them. Also, having reflectors and/or reflective clothing makes one more visible at night however, riding at night should be avoided whenever possible;

7. Get a Horn- While not mandated by law, having a horn or bell on your bicycle, louder than your voice, could save your life in an emergency. Don’t be afraid to use one; and

8. Watch out for Car Doors- One of the most common types of bike accidents is running into car doors being flung opened by motor vehicle occupants. Ride far enough away from parked cars or slow enough to stop in time if one is swung open.

By taking much needed precautions, being ever mindful of how dangerous bike riding can be and by not underestimating our children’s inexperience in riding a bicycle are ways that we can potentially reduce bicycle accidents, injuries and even fatalities.

Richard P. Hastings is a Connecticut personal injury lawyer at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP, with offices throughout the state.  A graduate of Fordham Law School, he has been named a Connecticut Super Lawyer and is the author of the books: "The Crash Course on Child Injury Claims"; "The Crash Course on Personal Injury Claims in Connecticut" and "The Crash Course on Motorcycle Accidents."  He can be reached at 1(888)CTLAW-00 or by visiting www.hcwlaw.com.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?