Los Angeles has more bicycle safety infrastructure than many other jurisdictions. There are miles of bike lanes and regular attempts by cycling safety advocates to protect those using self-propelled transportation on public roads. Despite those efforts, bicycle collisions caused by drivers are a constant safety concern for cyclists.
Thankfully, there are certain steps that cyclists can take to reduce their chances of a crash caused by inattentive drivers. Installing one common aftermarket bicycle accessory could potentially reduce the chances of a preventable collision at a busy intersection.
Turn signals can save lives
California state statutes clearly require that cyclists indicate their intention to turn. They generally use hand signals to alert nearby drivers that they are about to slow down or stop in traffic.
Unfortunately, many drivers find the hand signals for cyclists confusing. They may fail to watch for hand signals or may not respond appropriately even when cyclists use the proper signal to indicate their intent to turn. There are aftermarket turn signal systems that use kinetic energy or rechargeable battery packs to power illuminated turn signals that drivers may be more likely to notice.
Illuminated turn signals offer better protection in busy traffic signals and during transitional times of day. They also eliminate the confusion about what different hand signals actually mean. No matter how careful cyclists are, they are still vulnerable to mistakes made by others in traffic.
In cases where cyclists sustain significant injuries, they may have grounds for an insurance claim or possibly even a lawsuit against the driver who caused a crash. Reviewing crash circumstances with a bicycle collision lawyer can help injured cyclists understand their rights and hold unsafe drivers accountable.
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