To Avoid Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Need to Always Ride Defensively
As the amount of bicyclists increases, the number of accidents involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like many other car crashes, a number of them occur at intersections.
A lot of these collisions are the result of drivers that appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They fail to look for cyclists when making turns or moving through intersections.
These kinds of collisions are exacerbated by overly large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are put at risk by rapidly changing traffic signals that might turn red before they fully cross the intersection.
What Are the Most Frequent Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
Several 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 laws of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the roadway. This lack of awareness can be especially dangerous when a cyclist and a vehicle are sharing the road while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most dangerous areas for vehicles and bicyclists. Intersections are one of the main areas where accidents leading to devastating injuries take place.
A driver failing to observe bicyclists on the road
Motorists not seeing a cyclist on the street is a common cause of an accident involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists should take precautions to reduce this very avoidable cause of bike collisions.
Bicyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored apparel to help reduce the possibility of an accident. Similarly, motorists should know that cars are not the only vehicles they need to watch out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers should be especially mindful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations with a large number of bike commuters.
Drivers encroaching into bike lanes
Even while riding within the boundaries of a bike lane, cyclists should be alert at all times for distracted and careless drivers. Vehicles can accidentally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of distraction. This can potentially cause a cyclist to suffer major injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a motorist or passenger doesn't pay attention while opening a car door
As we discussed above, dooring incidents are a major threat to bicyclists, especially in urban environments. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can lead to 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 cyclist to avoid being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted drivers hitting a cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems for roadway safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a major part of our daily lives, many people find it hard to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a risk to other vehicles. Yet they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians because they have almost zero protection if they are struck. Someone that is distracted by texting, eating, or a variety of other reasons may divert into bike lanes. Likewise, they might not notice a cyclist crossing through an intersection or fail to see a cyclist while making a turn. Distracted driving is such a big problem that it's been identified as the leading reason for bicycle crashes involving automobiles.
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 completely assess their surroundings, it can result in major consequences for pedestrians and bicyclists. Cyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while individuals are backing out because of their smaller size and their low noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are starting to minimize these types of accidents. However 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 appropriate safety procedures and laws when riding a bike in Glendale is the most effective way to prevent accidents and injuries. When riding in traffic, cyclists need to 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 Glendale Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Drake Law Firm
If you suffer an injury in an accident with a car while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you should speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. He or she will help figure out whether you might have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent driver.
At Drake Law Firm, our knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers assist cyclists in pursuing cases against negligent motorists that have caused serious injuries. We understand how to receive all of the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or seeking a remedy using other means.
Contact Drake Law Firm so I can answer any questions you may have and let you know what I can do to help. If you’re unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.