To Avoid Accidents and Injuries, Cyclists Need to Always Ride Defensively
As the number of bicyclists grows, the amount of collisions involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other car crashes, a large number of them happen at intersections.
Many of these collisions are the result of motorists that appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roads. They fail to look out for bicyclists when making turns or driving through intersections. These kinds of collisions are exacerbated by excessively large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are put at risk by rapidly changing traffic signals that may turn red before they fully cross the intersection.
What Are the Most Prevalent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Some of the most common causes of bicycle crashes involve:
Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some motorists might not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the street. This lack of awareness can be especially dangerous when a cyclist and a vehicle are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most dangerous areas for cars and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the major areas where collisions resulting in devastating injuries take place.
A motorist failing to observe cyclists on the street
Motorists not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common reason for a collision involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists need to take precautions to limit this very preventable cause of bike collisions.
Bicyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored apparel to help lower the possibility of a crash. Likewise, motorists must understand that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for when driving. Motor vehicle drivers should be particularly mindful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in areas with a lot of bike commuters.
Drivers encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the confines of a bike lane, cyclists need to be alert at all times for distracted and negligent motorists. Vehicles can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a cyclist to suffer major injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a driver or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door
As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a major threat to cyclists, especially in urban environments. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can result in devastating injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Engaging in defensive riding techniques is the best way for a bicyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted motorists hitting a cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the biggest concerns for road safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a huge part of our daily lives, many people find it hard to put down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a risk to other vehicles. Yet they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians because they have almost zero protection if they are hit. Someone that is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other things might veer into bike lanes. Also, they might not notice a cyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a bicyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big problem that it's been identified as the leading cause of bicycle accidents involving cars.
Motorists failing to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots
When a motorist that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not fully check their surroundings, it can cause major consequences for pedestrians and bicyclists. Bicyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while people are backing out because of their smaller size and their low noise levels. Backup cameras and sensors are starting to minimize these kinds of accidents. However drivers can not depend on these technologies instead of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.
How Can I Avoid a Bike Accident?
Following appropriate safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Inland Empire is the best way to prevent accidents and injuries. When moving in traffic, cyclists should do the following:
How Can I Protect Myself in a Bicycle Accident?
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you get hurt in a bicycle accident, it is essential to do the following:
Contact a Inland Empire Bicycle Accident Attorney at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright
If you sustain an injury in an accident with a motor vehicle while riding your bicycle, or somebody you love has been tragically killed, you should consult with a qualified bicycle accident attorney right away. He or she will help determine whether you may have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent motorist.
At the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, our skilled bicycle accident attorneys assist cyclists in pursuing claims against negligent motorists who have caused serious injuries. We know how to collect all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or seeking a remedy using other methods.
Get a free consultation with our legal experts
