INDUSTRY INSIGHT
AUTO INSURANCE
SPONSORED CONTENT
Bike SAFETY TIPS
for Summer
W
hen the weather warms up, people hit the roads and
paths on their bikes. However, for many people who
don’t ride often, they may make dangerous mistakes
while sharing the road with vehicles.
If a vehicle strikes a bicyclist, the ensuing injuries may be severe or
potentially fatal. Most car vs. bike accidents happen during the spring
and summer so it’s good to understand the risks and how to prevent
accidents.
What Bicyclists Can Do
About 75% of bicyclists reported wearing reflective gear at
night, and many reported properly following the rules of the road
consistently in a survey. Follow these steps.
Ride with the flow of traffic. Since drivers do not expect bicyclists
to approach from the front, they may not know what to do. Also, it is
dangerous to turn in front of oncoming vehicles.
Be a predictable bicyclist. When preparing to turn, signal with
your hands before doing so. Always look before turning and avoid
making any sudden moves. To be safe, you can pretend that vehicles
do not see your signal and act accordingly.
Always be prepared to stop. Be prepared to stop at intersections
and in front of driveways.
Stay alert. Don’t use headphones and listen to music while cycling.
Also, don’t talk on the phone or attempt to text while riding. Be as
safe as possible by avoiding the use of electronic devices.
Watch for swerve-worthy hazards. Potholes, debris that falls off
of cars, storm grates and uneven surfaces can all cause bicyclists to
choose between swerving into traffic or hitting the object and falling.
If there are bike paths or bike lanes, always ride on them before
choosing a public sidewalk or a street. Keep in mind that pedestrians
always have the right of way on a sidewalk. In some places, it may be
illegal to ride on the sidewalk.
Always stay visible. When there is dim light or no light, wear
reflective gear. Drivers cannot always see bicyclists at night. If
possible, stay off the road when it is raining and right after rains.
Wear a helmet. Shop around to find one that fits properly. Choose
one that is certified, and check for recalls on CPSC.gov.
Cusumano Insurance, a local family-owned business, has been serving the Pittsburgh area
since 1958. The agency represents several insurance companies offering various options
for your personal and business insurance needs. Its experienced staff are creative problem
solvers who help find the suitable insurance companies, products and discounts to meet
your specific needs. Give them a call today for a free insurance review.
This Industry Insight was provided by:
Joann
Cusumano
Sciulli, AAI
Agency
Principal
Rosann
Cusumano
Elinsky, AAI,
LUTCF
Agency Principal
What Drivers Can Do
Drivers must always be vigilant for bicyclists on the road. Many
cities are now adding “sharrows” to the roads. These are arrows that
indicate a shared right lane for bicyclists and motorists.
When these arrows are present, it is courteous for drivers to use the
lane only for making a right turn if there are bicyclists using it. These
are some additional helpful tips.
Be a predictable driver. Always use signals when turning or
changing lanes. Do not assume that bicyclists can see as well. They
may not have mirrors. Keep a safe distance away from them at the
rear, side, and front. Allow plenty of room for passing.
Avoid using a mobile device while driving. Since bicyclists often
travel considerably slower than vehicles, drivers may approach them
quickly. Distracted drivers who are using mobile devices may not be
able to brake in time to avoid an accident.
For more information, discuss concerns with us.
Distracted driving is a dangerous problem. Nearly 330,000 injuries occur each
year from accidents caused by texting while driving.
Donʼt be one of those numbers. Donʼt text and drive.
Free to do what’s right for you.
SM
To learn more about protecting your family, home or business,
contact your local Trusted Choice agency.
178 Clairton Blvd (Rt 51) Pittsburgh, PA 15236
412-655-4432
[email protected]
www.cusumanoinsurance.com
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*Texting and Driving Accident Statistics. www.edgarsnyder.com/car-accident/cause-of-accident/cell-phone/cell-phone-statistics.html
Cusumano Insurance Agency, Inc. • 178 Clairton Blvd • Pleasant Hills, PA 15236
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
❘
SUMMER 2019
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