Keeping Teenagers Safe on Bicycles

Bicycles and cars don’t mix in the best of circumstances. And given the lack of bicycle lanes and the abundance of heavy traffic present in much of Florida, collisions are, unfortunately, bound to happen. This risk is magnified when the person on the bicycle happens to be a teenager. After all, those in this age demographic are more likely to undertake risky behavior on the road and less likely to have the experience to understand how to react to potential hazards that result.

For example, Local 10 News has reported that a teen bicyclist recently died while trying to grab onto a moving Broward County truck. The teen boy was seen riding his bike in the left lane when witnesses reportedly observed the teen abruptly move from the left lane to the right lane, pulling up alongside the Broward County bucket truck. The boy then grabbed onto a handle that was mounted on the passenger side of the truck, as if to hitch a ride. Instead, he lost control of his bicycle and fell underneath the truck. Sadly, the accident occurred just one day before his 16th birthday.

How Dangerous Can Riding a Bicycle Be?

Unfortunately, when a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike, it’s the bicyclist who is most likely to be injured as those utilizing this non-motorized method of transportation are even more vulnerable to serious personal injury or death than motorcyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 850 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2018.

What Measures Can Teenage Bicyclists Utilize to Help Stay Safe on the Road?

Even if you have never thought about talking to the teenager that you love about ways to stay safe while on a bicycle, the reality is that this is just as important as telling your young loved one not to text and drive or drink before getting behind the wheel. Before allowing your teenager to head out, talk to him or her about the potential dangers of risky behavior while riding. Additionally, ensure that your teen:

• Obtains a helmet that fits properly
• Is riding a bicycle in good working order
• Understands to never drink or do drugs before riding
• Has reflective gear or clothing panels for nighttime riding
• Knows the importance of fully charging his or her cell phone in advance

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Car Accident While Bicycling?

If you or a loved one has been personally injured while riding a bicycle due to another person’s negligence or decision to act recklessly, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. However, pursuing well-deserved compensation can be challenging for injured individuals and their families. As the Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we strive to offer our clients compassion and the best legal services possible. We understand how serious the resulting injuries can be and how confusing it can be to understand where to turn, so we offer dependable legal help, the basis of which has been obtained through years of experience. Contact us today to begin.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Miami, Ocala, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach areas.

Resource:

local10.com/news/2019/12/02/teen-bicyclist-dies-trying-to-grab-onto-moving-broward-county-truck/

https://www.pendaslaw.com/what-should-i-do-if-i-think-my-doctor-has-committed-medical-malpractice/