To Avoid Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Must Always Ride Defensively
As the number of cyclists increases, the number of accidents involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other vehicle accidents, a number of them occur at intersections.
Many of these collisions are the result of drivers who seem to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They neglect to look out for bicyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.
These kinds of collisions are exacerbated by overly large and busy intersections. Furthermore, bicyclists are put at risk by rapidly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they fully cross the intersection.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Several of the most common causes of bicycle collisions involve:
Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some drivers may not be familiar with the laws of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the street. This lack of awareness can be particularly dangerous when a bicyclist and a vehicle are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are one of the most dangerous areas for cars and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major locations where crashes leading to devastating injuries happen.
A motorist failing to observe bicyclists on the road
Motorists not seeing a bicyclist on the road is a common reason for an accident involving a bicycle. Both drivers and bicyclists need to take precautions to limit this very preventable cause of bike collisions.
Cyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help reduce the possibility of a crash. Likewise, drivers should realize that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to 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 boundaries of a bike lane, bicyclists need to be alert at all times for distracted and negligent drivers. Cars can inadvertently or intentionally drift into a bike lane after only a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a bicyclist to sustain serious injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a driver or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door
As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a serious threat to cyclists, especially in urban settings. 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 most effective way for a bicyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted motorists hitting a bicyclist
Distracted driving is one of the biggest concerns for road safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a major part of our daily lives, many individuals find it hard to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a risk to other vehicles. But they are even more dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians because they have almost zero protection if they are struck. Someone who is distracted by texting, eating, or a multitude of other things may divert into bike lanes. Also, they may 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 reason for bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles.
Drivers 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 completely assess their surroundings, it can cause serious consequences for pedestrians and bicyclists. Cyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while people are backing out due to their smaller size and their low noise levels. Backup cameras and sensors are starting to reduce these kinds of collisions. But motorists can not depend on these technologies in place of looking behind them and checking their blind spots.
How Can I Avoid a Bike Accident?
Following proper safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Ontario is the best way to prevent accidents and injuries. When riding 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 vital to do the following:
Contact a Ontario Bicycle Accident Attorney at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright
If you suffer an injury in an accident with a motor vehicle while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you should consult with a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer immediately. They will help determine whether you may have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent motorist.
At the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, our skilled bicycle accident attorneys assist bicyclists in seeking cases against negligent motorists that have caused major injuries. We understand how to collect all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or pursuing a remedy through other methods.
Get a free consultation with our legal experts
