In a study conducted by the US Department of Transportation (DOT), approximately 33,000 Americans die in traffic-related accidents every year. Out of this number, nearly 17 percent of them are bicycle riders.

In addition, more than 500,000 people are treated in hospitals and clinics for bike accidents every year, with 60 percent of them aged 15 years and younger.

With the result of these surveys, safety experts believe that cruiser bike riders are one of the most vulnerable road users in the country. However, experts believe that people can make their ride safer by following these tips.

• Light up

Headlights and rear lights are very important especially during the night. According to safety experts, people should buy LED lights which last 10 times longer than a set of batteries used by ordinary headlights.

• Avoid busy roads

Some bicyclists travel on the same route they used when driving their cars. While motorists have the right to use most US roads, they should realize that it is better to use streets in residential areas or places which have slower cars.

• As much as possible, use the whole lane

In defensive bicycling, it is safer to use the whole lane than traveling on the extreme edge of the road. Here are the reasons why: 1.) This prevents other cars from passing too closely from a bicyclist. 2.) This allows other motorists to see a rider.

3.) This prevents a rider from hitting an open door from a car.

• Don’t use the sidewalk, it’s for the pedestrians

Many people use the sidewalk thinking that this is safer. However, head-on collisions are very common here since some motorbike riders also use this thinking that doing so will be safer.

• Use signals

Bicyclists are less likely to get hit when they use hand signals that will allow other motorists to know their next move. However, it is important to check the mirror or look behind before making a hand signal (to avoid being hit by a passing car).

• Never use music players and mobile phones

Bikers should have 100 percent of their focus on the road to avoid crashes caused by "distracted driving". According to the US National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), "distracted driving" accounted for nearly 25 percent of all the traffic accidents in the US.

• Use helmet and body protection

According to NHTSA website, riders without helmets are 40 percent more likely to suffer from fatal head injury and 15 percent from nonfatal head injury compared to those who are wearing a head protection.

• Get off the bike when crossing a pedestrian lane

Get off the bike and push it when crossing a pedestrian lane. According to Los Angeles lawyers, a person may not be able to file a lawsuit against a driver if a court finds that he was riding his bike while crossing.