Traffic Safety Administration Says Helmets Key to Injury Prevention

While the accident happened in a far off country, the recent tragic death in Thailand of a young couple cycling around the world offers a grim reminder of the perils involved in biking. Cycling couple killed in Thailand accident

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 630 bicyclists died on U.S. roads in 2009 as a result of bicycle falls and crashes with vehicles. News from NHTSA

More than 50,000 cyclists were injured in traffic crashes that same year.

The NHTSA maintains that bike helmets offer the best protection against serious head injuries, injuries, and recent helmet use  laws have been effective in increasing helmet usage.

Additional safety tips to prevent injuries from the NHTSA: http://www.nhtsa.gov

• Stay alert, and keep a close lookout for obstacles andlways be aware of the traffic around you.
• Check your equipment. Before riding, inflate tires properly and make sure brakes work properly and wheels are securely fastened.
• Avoid riding at night. If riding at night is necessary, wear bright clothes and make sure reflectors are secured on the front and rear of the bicycle – in addition to reflectors on tires.
• Go with the traffic flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles.
• Learn and adhere to traffic laws. Like the driver of any vehicle, bicyclists need to obey all traffic signs, signals and lane markings.
• Look before turning. When turning left or right, always look behind for a break in traffic, and signal (know proper hand signals) before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.

While these tips are extremely worthwhile, caution would not have prevented this terrible, unpredictable accident.

Do you think about the potential dangers when riding a bike?