Dangers cyclists and pedestrians should be aware of

With the few enjoyable spring and summer months of Kansas weather, people are coming out of hiding from the cold winter months. People walking, jogging and bicycling are on every sidewalk of Wichita. As with many activities, there are dangers we should all be aware of. Taking a few precautionary measures can greatly increase your safety while enjoying the nice Kansas weather.

For cyclists:

Bike on the right side of the road. Cyclists are required to follow the same rules as motor vehicles, including obeying traffic signs and signals.
If you are riding at night, purchase a rear light and a white headlight. A surprising number of collisions are the result of cyclists riding at night without proper lights. Also consider wearing reflective tape on your clothing.
Always keep your bicycle adjusted for your fit. Routinely check your brakes and tires and keep up with your bicycle’s maintenance.
Be alert of sewer grates, gravel, ice or debris.

For hiking, walking or jogging:

Don’t go alone at night. No matter how safe you may feel, don’t go solo. If someone is not available to go with you, make sure someone knows your route.
Have several routes and don’t be predictable when using them.
Have your cell phone or a whistle with you.
When walking or jogging, go in the opposite direction of traffic so that you are able to see what is approaching.

A few extra tips for both cyclists and pedestrians:

Although it may not seem enjoyable, listening to an ipod can be a distraction, causing your awareness of your surrounding to diminish.
In order to be more visible, wear bright colors during the day.
Don’t assume drivers see you. Many drivers aren’t paying attention and won’t see you or assume they have the right of way. Before you cross at an intersection, make eye contact with drivers.

Lastly, trust your instincts. If a certain location or person makes you feel uncomfortable, take a different route. Enjoy the beautiful Kansas weather, but be cautious of drivers and other cyclists and pedestrians.

At Ray Hodge and Associates, LLC we have experience in handling pedestrian and cyclist cases. We build up cases with an eye towards establishing that the driver should have seen the pedestrian or cyclist and in some cases may even be able to recover punitive damages. Don’t trust your case to just anyone. We always try to settle cases for our clients but if the insurance company does not make a good offer we will take the case to Court if that’s what our client desires.

Call us today for a free consultation and ask about no fee if no recovery option.

Ray Hodge & Associates proudly represents victims and their families across the state of Kansas, including Wichita, Andover, Derby, Goddard, Haysville, Mulvane, Rose Hill, Newton, El Dorado and Hutchinson. Call today for a free consultation all over the state of Kansas. We have proudly served clients in Sedgwick, Butler, Sumner, Harvey, Kingman and Reno Counties.