To Prevent Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Need to Always Ride Defensively
As the number of cyclists increases, the number of collisions involving bikes will also likely increase. And, like many other car crashes, a large number of them occur at intersections.
Many of these collisions are the result of drivers who appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They fail to look out for cyclists when making turns or driving through intersections.
These kinds of collisions are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are put at risk by quickly changing traffic signals that may 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 collisions include:
Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists in intersections
Some drivers may not be familiar with the rules of the road when dealing with bicyclists sharing the street. This lack of knowledge can be particularly hazardous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the street while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most dangerous places for cars and cyclists. Intersections are one of the main locations where accidents resulting in devastating injuries take place.
A motorist failing to observe bicyclists on the street
Drivers not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common cause of an accident involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists must take safety measures to limit this very avoidable cause of bike collisions.
Bicyclists can utilize safety accessories like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored apparel to help lower the possibility of an accident. Similarly, drivers need to be aware that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers should be especially careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in areas with a large number of bike commuters.
Motorists 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 reckless drivers. Vehicles can unintentionally or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a cyclist to sustain major injuries.
Bicycle doorings when a motorist or passenger does not pay attention while opening a car door
As we mentioned above, dooring incidents are a serious danger to cyclists, especially in urban environments. These accidents can cause a bicyclist to go flying over their handlebars, which can cause devastating injuries like brain injuries, neck and back injuries, facial damage, and long-lasting pain and suffering. Practicing defensive riding techniques is the most effective way for a cyclist to prevent being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted motorists hitting a cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the greatest concerns for roadway 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 drivers are clearly a threat to other vehicles. Yet they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians since they have practically zero protection if they are hit. Somebody that is distracted by texting, eating, or a myriad of other reasons might divert into bike lanes. Also, 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 cause of bicycle accidents involving automobiles.
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 fully check their surroundings, it can lead to serious consequences for pedestrians and bicyclists. Cyclists are more likely to be struck in parking lots and while individuals are backing out due to their smaller size and their reduced noise levels. Backup cameras and sensors are starting to lessen these types of collisions. However drivers 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 Santa Ana is the best way to prevent collisions and injuries. When moving 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 vital to do the following:
Contact a Santa Ana Bicycle Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright
If you sustain an injury in an accident with an automobile while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you should speak with a qualified bicycle accident attorney immediately. They will help determine whether you might have a valid personal injury or wrongful death claim against a negligent driver.
At the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, our skilled bicycle accident attorneys help cyclists in seeking cases against negligent motorists that have caused major injuries. We understand how to collect all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a claim or seeking a solution through other means.
Get a free consultation with our legal experts
