With summer weather on the rise and Bike To Work Day coming up on Wednesday, June 26, now is a great time for a share-the-road safety refresher. In Chicago, we know there are multiple ways to get around, and that bicycles and foot travel are two common modes. Below, we look at basic safety tips for the most common means of transportation.
Motorist safety tips:
- Be on the lookout for bicyclists and pedestrians
- Always check crosswalks before making a turn
- Check your mirrors and blind spot before merging or turning
- Don’t drive distracted
- Remember that bicyclists and pedestrians have a right to use roads and sidewalks
Bicyclist safety tips:
- Always wear a helmet
- Wear brightly colored and reflective clothing
- Follow the rules of the road and ride in a predictable manner
- Signal your intention to turn or merge into another lane
- Travel in the same direction as vehicles
- Don’t expect motorists to see you – ride defensively
- Check over your shoulder if you are turning or crossing into another lane
Pedestrian safety tips:
- Use sidewalks whenever they are available
- In the absence of a sidewalk, walk facing traffic and get as far off the roadway as possible
- Wear bright clothing
- Make eye contact with motorists who you think have stopped for you
- Use intersections and crosswalks to cross the street
- Obey walk signals and travel in a predictable way
- Be alert for motorists leaving driveways and parking lots
- Be alert for motorists turning left or right into your path of travel
Unfortunately, accidents sometimes occur. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, or a crash as a bicyclist or pedestrian, please call Sklare Law Group, at 312-263-0771, for a complimentary consultation. Our experienced attorneys tirelessly pursue full compensation on our clients’ behalves.