As a bike rider, the most important thing you can do is to be aware of your surroundings. And often the best way to do that is to stay alert and free of distractions. That’s harder to do in today’s digital age, but California law tries to get a handle on such distractions with CVC 27400. This law helps keep you and other riders safe, but if you end up being in an accident, our California bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is CVC 27400?
Simply put, CVC 27400 says that anybody riding a bike in California can’t wear:
- A headset, head or earphones, or earplugs in both ears.
It’s easy to see why this law is in place: it helps you stay alert and aware of your surroundings. But specifically, here’s why not wearing headphones or earbuds helps you while biking:
- Hearing traffic and warnings – You need to hear cars, sirens, horns, and even other cyclists calling out to avoid dangers.
- Reacting faster – If a car is approaching too fast or someone shouts a warning, hearing it gives you more time to react.
- Staying focused – Music or podcasts can be distracting, making it harder to pay attention to the road and your surroundings.
- Improving safety – A clear awareness of everything around you helps prevent crashes and keeps you and others safe.
Listening to music or podcasts is a good way to pass the time while riding your bike, but the reality is that using earbuds or headphones can take away your focus. And when you’re riding a bike, your focus and awareness of the environment around you is especially important.
How Can You Avoid a Bicycle Accident?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to totally avoid bicycle accidents. That’s why laws like CVC 27400 are in place. But even following the no headphones law and other guidelines, you could still be in an accident. That said, there’s a few things you can do to protect yourself:
- Wearing a helmet and proper safety gear
- Not wearing earbuds or headphones
- Not using your phone and avoiding other distractions
- Wearing high-visibility clothing
- Following all traffic laws
- Learning and using turn and hand signals
Even when you’re careful, bike accidents can still happen. But following safety tips can help reduce the chances of a crash. If you do get into a bike-on-bike accident, there are important steps to take if you need to file a claim.
Should You Work With Maison Law After a Bicycle Accident in California?
Biking in California is usually great, but accidents and injuries are always a possibility. If you’ve been in an accident, knowing your rights and options is important. While hiring a lawyer isn’t required, it can make the process easier and less stressful. Here’s how our team can help:
- Explaining your rights and options
- Investigating the accident to figure out what happened and who’s liable.
- Gathering evidence, medical records, and other key details.
- Talking to witnesses to help support your case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement.
- If a settlement isn’t fair, we’ll take your case to court.
The legal process after a bike accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our California bicycle accident lawyers at Maison Law are here to make things easier and help you get the financial support you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
