Originally Posted by RonE

I use both head and tail lights during the day in the hopes that they make me a little more visible to drivers. High visibility clothing and helmets also contribute an extra edge in safety.

Bicyclists lose in almost every encounter with a motor vehicle, so every little bit helps.

Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

… I was also in a cycling accident three six years ago, that kept me off work for three months and off the bike for five…

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Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

I have had the experience of being hit-and-run, presumably not intentionally, but by a distracted (?inebriated) driver. The police filed charges.

The police were great, and their report at the subsequent trial was spot on and particularly noted my details for visibility, including lights and high vis vest.

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Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

I think the police testimony in my accident about lights was favorable to my case, though was in the situation of a rear hit-and-run at night.

Nonetheless, I think that any safety practice, including daytime (front and rear) lights, helmets, FRAP, even if unproved by studies, would be favorably considered by even the non-cyling public, including judges and juries.

The driver got a year in jail.

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Originally Posted by Jim from Boston

and we did get a rather hefty settlement from his insurance agency. I even had two different lawyers offer their services to litigate.