Although bicycle riders are not all that uncommon, particularly in cities, many automobile drivers give them little thought other than to view them as an annoyance. The truth is a bicyclist is extremely vulnerable to serious or fatal injury when hit by a car. Although any act of negligence by a driver can lead to a grave accident, there are several behaviors exhibited by drivers which can be particularly dangerous to bicyclists. Many times auto drivers may become so impatient at an intersection they will turn in front of the bicyclist.
If they are making a left-hand turn the bicyclist’s path is effectively blocked, causing them to collide with the vehicle while if the automobile is making a left-hand turn they may knock the bicyclist completely over. Drivers should always ensure the bicyclist has cleared the intersection before attempting to turn and should dial down the impatience level in order to avoid injuring or killing a bicyclist who has every legal right to share the roadways.
Other Dangerous Behaviors
Drivers oftentimes will pass a bicyclist much too closely, either forcing them off the road or striking them with the side mirror. Many times a driver parked on the side of a street will open their door without even looking to see if anyone is coming. This is a primary way both motorcycle riders and bicyclists are injured or maimed. Drivers are also guilty of overestimating the braking ability of bicycles—bicycle brakes are not nearly as effective as car brakes. Added to this, a bicyclist who brakes suddenly may find themselves flying over the handlebars. Drivers also tend to underestimate the speed of a bicycle rider, causing them to make a turn or open a car door with little regard for the bicycle coming up close to them quickly.
The Negligence of Bicyclists
Bicycle riders can also ignore the rules of the road and end up actually being responsible for the accident in which they are hit by a car. Because it takes a fair amount of effort for a bicyclist to come to a complete stop at stop signs or intersections with traffic lights many are guilty of glancing both ways and going right on through. A stop sign and red light are meant for the bicyclist in exactly the same way they are meant for a driver. Bicyclists are often guilty of passing a line of stopped cars, however if the cyclist reaches the intersection at the same time the front car makes an unexpected right-hand turn, the consequences can be deadly. In some cases bicyclists ride at unsafe speeds, perhaps while going downhill or on a straight road. This can be dangerous, however, should the bicyclist lose control or encounter a road hazards and be unable to stop safely.
Safety Measures
All bicyclists should wear helmets, and children should be fully schooled in bicycle safety before they are allowed out on their own. Children rarely appreciate the risks of riding in an area where cars drive and may not fully understand the rules of the road as well. Children are also much more likely to be showing off for friends while on their bicycle, creating some special safety hazards. Bicyclists who have been injured by being hit by a driver who was driving unsafely should contact an attorney who has significant experience in bicycle accidents. Because there is a statute of limitations in bicycle accidents it’s important that you consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.