The roads can be dangerous for cyclists. Traffic congestion is at an all time high and thousands of bike riders are killed or seriously injured each year on UK roads.
Unfortunately, this is the tip of the iceberg. An estimated one million cyclists suffer ‘minor’ injuries on the roads each year. Many of these wounds are cuts, sprains and bruises, but for many people, even these can lead to enduring disability.
In terms of avoiding long term injury, prevention is better than cure. A savvy cyclist should have a detailed knowledge of the Highway Code and own a range of effective safety equipment. There are many road safety training programmes in the UK which offer extensive support and are inexpensive.
Some safety hazards are less well known, even by the experts. Everybody knows about helmets and headlights – but there are many lesser known tools that can enhance your safety. Carrying these 3 simple items will give you a ‘self defence kit’ to keep you safe on the roads – and equipped to make a successful personal injury bike claim should the worst happen.
1) Sweat Bands – Sweat bands are cheap, hassle free, and easy to use. They can prevent you becoming distracted by drops of perspiration, or your equipment becoming a slippery hazard on the roads.
2) Mobile phone with a camera/video. - A mobile phone has a number of essential safety features. You can use it to call for help. You can use GPS features when you get lost. It is also useful for collecting evidence about hazards on the roads – useful if you appeal for your local council to remove them. If you become injured in a cycle accident, then photos from the scene of the collision could provide critical in a bike claim for compensation. Macks Solicitors has specialist lawyers dedicated to helping injured cyclists claim compensation – and can help you access the highest quality healthcare so you can make a complete recovery. Another useful step you can take to defend yourself is to learn what to do following a cycle accident.
3) Light sensitive glasses - if you are a cyclist who wears glasses – getting light sensitive lenses is a smart move. Reactive lenses are widely available from high street opticians. Their tint responds to the varying levels of UV light. Modern lenses react almost instantaneously, changing from clear glass to full tint in a matter of seconds. They can reduce glare from the sun and help prevent sun blindness on the roads. Reactive lenses are an effortless safety feature – barely noticeable but very effective. Light sensitive lenses are worth investing in, and could reduce the number of Bike claims on UK roads.
