Experts Advise Cyclists to Carry a Cell Phone in Case of an Accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 48,000 cyclists were injured in accidents involving a motor vehicle, and of those, 743 were killed in 2013, the latest statistics available. And because cyclists typically don't fare as well as motorists in these accidents, some experts are calling for them to make it a habit to always ride with a cell phone on them.

“People who ride bicycles are at a major disadvantage when they're involved in traffic accidents with cars," says a retailer of bike mounted cell phone holders. “And they need to do all they can to overcome those disadvantages and protect themselves. One of the best ways they can do that is to carry a cell phone with them so they can maintain some sense of control over the situation."

And indeed, the retailer isn't the only one who is sounding the alarm. Mark C. Blane, an attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents, says “It is easy for cyclists to feel as though they have no rights on the road especially since the amount of car drivers certainly outweighs the number of bicyclists out on the road."

Blane stresses that immediately after a cyclist has been hit by a car, they may find it difficult to concentrate on the details of the accident. For instance, they need to identify which model and color of car hit them, and get the license plate number, but they may unable to think quickly enough to write down the information. And that, he says, is where a cell phone comes in. “It is very important for bicyclists to keep a cell phone on them in case they need to call for emergency help or the police right after a bicycle and car accident."

"Because some cities are passing ordinances that make it illegal for cyclists to ride while talking or texting on a phone, many of them have started to leave their phones behind when they go out on the road," says the retailer. “And that's a mistake. Bike mounted cell phone holders are the ideal solution for cyclists who want that extra insurance when out on the rode with motorists."

Meanwhile, big auto makers are becoming concerned about the increasing number of car and bicycle collisions. Volvo, Ford, and Jaguar all have technology about to be released that warns drivers when they are about to collide with a cyclist.

In the meantime, riders should take heed of the expert warnings, and carry their cell phones with them every time they ride.