While it may not be possible to stop bicycle accidents, it is possible to implement some technology that can help prevent or reduce their impact.
Bicycle traffic has gone up by 27% since 2020, so have the chances of a bicycle accident. It is essential to contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Philadelphia if you or someone you know has been involved in an accident.
Technology that can help reduce the impact of bicycle accidents
Reducing bicycle accidents requires a multifold strategy: protecting the bicyclist, increasing visibility, collecting data to track patterns, and educating the public. Here is a list of technologies that can aid in this effort:
Bicycle helmets
Safety gear is the cornerstone of protecting bicyclists on the road, and the bicycle helmet is undoubtedly the most essential piece of equipment. Wearing a helmet reduces the chance of brain injury by 60%.
There are bicycle helmets with multi-directional impact protection systems on the current market. These helmets are light, aerodynamic, fit well, and protect against falls from every direction.
Reflective gear
Reflective gear is another commonly known piece of safety equipment. It is essential because it increases visibility.
One of the common reasons bicyclists get injured is that the motorist doesn’t see them. Wearing reflective clothes or helmets with LED patches reduces this risk.
LEDs can also be added to the body of the bicycle and can be programmed to flash when an object is too close, like a car.
Collision warning system
A collision detection system basically warns cars and other vehicles when they’re too close to other objects on the road.
For bicycles, this can be added to the helmet or the body of the bike. For example, if a car approaches the bicycle and is dangerously close, a warning can be sent out to the vehicle informing the driver about the bicycle’s position.
This can also be done for the bicyclist, warning them if they are too close to a barrier or another car on the road.
The incorporation of collision warning systems into cars, traffic equipment, or other vehicles can be revolutionary in reducing accidents. Although such systems have been proposed before, the concern around data collection has inhibited their widespread implementation.
If these concerns are addressed and a system that meets required standards is developed, it can be deployed across the country.
Good road design
Prioritizing bicycles and pedestrians by providing dedicated bicycle paths and designating areas as bicycle- or pedestrian-only can significantly reduce accidents. With no nearby cars, the chances of being injured are considerably less.
Having a bicycle lane reduces the need for bicyclists to use the road, where the risk of being run over is very high. It also increases pedestrian safety by ensuring bicyclists don’t have to use sidewalks.
In addition, analyzing trends in bicyclist behavior and accidents can help identify hotspots, which can improve road design and the safety of everyone involved.
Tips for bicyclists to stay safe
Here are a few basic safety tips to follow when riding a bicycle:
- Ride a bike that fits you
- Wear equipment to protect you
- Drive in the same direction as the traffic
- Obey street signs, just as a car would
- Give other bicyclists room, and don’t pass too closely
Conclusion
The US relies heavily on cars, and its roads are designed to cater to this demographic. Therefore, bicyclists must be extra careful when maneuvering in this space.
Implementing better road design and other safety practices can also go a long way toward reducing the number of bicycle accidents. Having the assistance of a good lawyer can help you obtain damages should you ever find yourself injured in an accident.
