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Nobody wants to imagine the worst, but it happens. Bicycle accidents in the USA are an ongoing issue. As per the latest reports, thousands of people lose their lives in bicycle accidents, while 130,000 suffer serious injuries. 

However, this doesn’t mean you will have to fear every ride. Technology is capable of great things today, and bike accident prevention is one of them. Today, we will discuss how technological advancements are making cycling safe for all of us. 

Bicycle Accidents in the USA - A Harrowing Picture 

 

Despite having great roads and strict traffic rules, bicycle crashes are more common than ever. Statistics say that most victims belong to the 14–33 years old age group, i.e., teens and young adults. 

Due to high vehicle density combined with a lack of two-wheeler-friendly roads, a good majority of bicycle crashes take place in urban areas. For instance, just recently, a man sustained a fatal bicycle crash at the intersection of 19th Street and Pike Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas.

What to Do If You Face a Bicycle Accident?

 

If you find yourself in such unfortunate circumstances, forget everything else and prioritize self-preservation. Call 9-https://keithlawgroup.com/little-rock-personal-injury-lawyer/1-1, or if you can manage to walk, visit the ER immediately. 

Once you have been stabilized, you can consider hiring an attorney. A Little Rock personal injury lawyer can help a victim understand their legal options in the case mentioned above. They can help get them rightful compensation for the damages they have suffered. 

Compensatory damages in personal injury cases include both economic (medical bills) as well as non-economic damages (mental anguish), notes Keith Law Group. Don’t hesitate to seek counsel if you sustained a serious injury or income loss through no fault of your own. 

How Technology Can Help Curb Bicycle Accidents

 

Given the dire state of road safety for bicyclists, many companies are introducing technologies to make cycling safer for you. For instance:

 

Smart Helmets

 

It all starts with the basics. With smart helmets, riders can easily detect hazards, identify accidents, and track location. These helmets come with built-in lights and sensors to keep you safe. 

The lights make you more visible to drivers, especially at night. Sensors detect sudden movements or impacts. If you crash, the helmet can send alerts to your phone or emergency contacts. 

That’s not all. Smart helmets can even detect if the rider is drunk and automatically lock ignition. For further safety, it will send a message to the rider's registered number and their current location. 

Smart helmets are gaining immense popularity, so much so that it’s expected to be a $2,641.9 million industry by 2032. 

 

Smart Bicycles

 

Smart bikes can effectively cater to the need for sustainable mobility in cities. These two-wheelers are equipped with sensors that monitor nearby vehicles. These sensors can measure the distance and speed of cars approaching you. 

When a vehicle gets too close, the smart bike sends an alert to the driver, letting them know you are there. This can be through sounds, lights, or even vibrations. 

Some smart bicycles also include GPS tracking, so you can always find your bike if it’s lost or stolen. Premium models have built-in lights that automatically turn on in low light conditions, increasing your visibility. 

 

Safety Apps

 

Today, a lot of riders are using apps like Komoot that help you plan and follow routes for different types of bikes, such as road bikes, mountain bikes, and gravel bikes. Komoot recommends routes based on the type of bike you’re using. 

These apps provide real-time traffic updates, helping you avoid busy streets and high-risk areas. They suggest bike-friendly routes, so you can choose paths with less vehicle traffic and more bike lanes. 

Moreover, safety apps can track your ride, sharing your location with friends or family for added security. In case of an emergency, many apps have a panic button that sends your location to emergency contacts. 

 

AI-powered Bike Lights

 

Although this is still a relatively new technology, it won’t be long before smart bike lights become mainstream. Brands like Velo AI Copilot are building smart bike lights coupled with road monitoring capabilities. The AI assistant can alert the cyclist about the road conditions behind them. That’s not all.

These devices also come with fixed-lens cameras to record video footage. On top of that, the AI can analyze the video footage to detect driver behavior and even provide custom audible alerts to the cyclist - all these in real-time. 

 

A Safer Cycling Future Is on the Cards

 

Technology is transforming cycling safety for everyone. From smart helmets to advanced safety apps, these tools work to protect you on every ride. By adopting these innovations, you can enjoy cycling with greater confidence and peace of mind. Let’s embrace these advancements together, making our roads safer and our journeys happier.