For many bicyclists in Illinois, getting hit by a motor vehicle is a constant concern. However, a new app, known as the Bike Shield App, could help both motorists and cyclists become more aware of each other as they travel. Additionally, it could potentially reduce the number of cyclists who need to seek the assistance of a Chicago accident attorney after sustaining serious injuries in a collision with a vehicle.
What does this app do?
For many motorists, their blind spot prevents them from seeing cyclists near them. Although this app mainly serves bicyclists, it helps motorists become more aware of the cyclists in their surroundings. When cyclists travel on their bikes, all of the cars around them, as long as they have the Shield activated, will get an acoustic notification five to 10 seconds before a cyclist is approached.
Drivers who desire to use this app do not have to remember to turn it on before they start driving. Instead, this app is automatically activated using its accelerometer. Drivers who receive a notification as their vehicle is in motion simply have to keep driving as they locate the cyclist near them. Although this new app for cyclists and motorists has the potential to reduce injurious or fatal accidents, its creators urge those driving a vehicle or riding a bicycle not to become complacent about paying attention to their surroundings.
Bicycle accidents still occur
Despite the development of this new app, many cyclists still have to work with a Chicago accident attorney after incurring injuries in a collision with another vehicle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about one percent of all trips taken in the U.S. are by bicycle. However, cyclists face a higher death and injury risk than drivers of motor vehicles. From 2005 to 2010, 32 cyclists in Chicago were killed in motor vehicle accidents, states data from a Chicago Crash Analysis.
There are several things cyclists can do to stay safe on the roads as they travel alongside motor vehicles and prevent serious accident-related injuries. For example, regardless of their age, cyclists should wear a helmet every time they ride. Additionally, cyclists should wear reflective clothing to make themselves more visible when they ride their bike at night.
However, these actions are not always enough, especially when a driver chooses to be negligent and not pay attention to the road in front of him or her. Those who were harmed in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle may benefit from turning to a Chicago accident attorney for assistance asserting their rights to fair and proper compensation.