FIRST AID - SAFETY- 4

I.How to Avoid Bike Accidents in Folsom, California

Folsom, California may be better known for its famous prison than for bicycle safety, but this city of over 60,000 is one of the best places for cycling in the entire state. Located along Highway 50, east of Sacramento, Folsom has over 30 miles of biking trails along the American River and many within the city for cyclists to enjoy.

Beyond that, the city has also committed to spending $8 million towards bike facilities on the new Folsom Dam Bridge/Road project. The new proposal will have full bike lanes on the bridge, in addition to a separate bikeway along the length of the bridge and along the approaches.

However, even with all the engineering improvements in Folsom, cyclists still face risks of potential bike accidents every day. Here are a few common factors that cause bike accidents in California on a regular basis:

Poor Preparation -- No matter how far you plan to ride your bicycle in Folsom, you should always prepare for your journey. Since a bike accident can occur at any time, you should always use proper safety gear including a helmet, reflective material, and sufficient lighting. You should also maintain your bike on a regular basis to ensure your safety.

Poor Visibility -- Bicycles are much smaller than any vehicle that is on the road. Because of this, drivers of motor vehicles might have a tough time spotting you. You should always be cautious while entering intersections or making directional changes so that you can be prepared for any obstacle that might come your way. By cycling defensively, you can limit your risk of being in a bike accident.

Poor Conditions -- It is very difficult to bike safely on a wet, frozen, or dirty road. If you are unsure of the conditions, you should slow down, find an alternate route, or choose another method of transportation.

While many bike accidents could be avoided in Folsom with common sense and good preparation, this is not always the case. Many times something out of the cyclist's control is what causes the bike accident:

* A bike manufacturer may have sold a bicycle that did not fit safety standards.
* Another driver may have caused the accident while you had the right of way.
* The city may not have maintained the roadway to acceptable standards.

If you are involved in a bike accident in Folsom for any reason and believe you are not at fault, you should contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. An experienced attorney can help you receive maximum compensation for your damages based on what the law and circumstances allow.

II.Women's Travel Guide for Safety - By: Nicolette Goff
Whether it is for business or pleasure, more and more women are now traveling all over the world. If you are a lone woman traveling, you should be aware that in other parts of the world, women may be viewed differently. Often, they are viewed as weak and unable to defend themselves. Remember that when traveling, safety first should always be paramount.

Here are some tips that women can use in order to have a much more enjoyable and also much safer trip whenever they travel abroad.

Always do your research on the country you plan on traveling to. Not all countries are the same in regards to culture. In countries that are culturally conservative women often have dress codes that even you, as a visitor, should follow. Always familiarize yourself on the laws and customs of your destination. Ignorance of the law excuses no one, even tourists.

One good example of a country with differing customs regarding women is Saudi Arabia. Tourists here, both men and women have been apprehended by the police for improper dresses. Islamic nations tend to be very conservative, especially concerning the dress and activities of women. Your actions with the opposite sex should be conservative and respectful. In fact, in some countries, it is even illegal to invite people of the opposite sex in your hotel room. Only married couples are allowed to stay in the same hotel room.

Although you may like to dress fashionably, and make a statement with your clothing, remember that what may be casual wear for you may be seen as provocative or inappropriate in other countries. You can never go wrong with jeans and a shirt or t-shirt that covers most of your body. Also, these clothes area much better option than skirts if you need to run or defend yourself. Your choice of clothing should blend in with the public. Try buying some local dress to wear, giving others the impression that you are a local.

Your personal security is important if you are a woman traveling alone. There are several legal safety devices available for sale For example, pepper spray can temporarily blind an assailant and also disable them for 5 to 6 minutes, which is enough for you to run away and get help. Personal alarms are also available, and when triggered, will loudly alert others that there is a problem situation, and quite possibly scare away an assailant.

Whenever traveling in unfamiliar surroundings, always be alert. Never carry a wallet in an accessible pocket. If you are carrying just a wallet, make sure its in an inside zippered or velcroed pocket and that it is small enough to be unnoticed. In places notorious for pickpockets, such as big crowds, touristy areas, bus stations and train stations, keep your purse, camera and other valuables on your person, preferably securely attached to and in front of your body. In some places, children working with adults can slash your garment with a blade and get the contents of that pocket.

Remember that as a woman, you will be much more vulnerable to attacks. By always planning ahead, being aware, and taking simple precautions, you can be sure that you will be able to have a more enjoyable vacation.