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To Avoid Collisions and Injuries, Cyclists Have to Always Ride Defensively
As the amount of cyclists increases, the amount of collisions involving bikes will also likely grow. And, like a lot of other vehicle accidents, a large number of them occur at intersections.
A number of these collisions are the result of drivers that appear to forget that bicyclists are also legitimate and lawful users of the roadways. They neglect to look for bicyclists when making turns or proceeding through intersections.
These types of collisions are worsened by overly large and busy intersections. Additionally, bicyclists are endangered by quickly changing traffic signals that might 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 collisions involve:
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 dangerous when a cyclist and a car are sharing the roadway while crossing or turning at an intersection. Intersections are among the most dangerous areas for vehicles and cyclists. Intersections are one of the major areas where collisions resulting in devastating injuries take place.
A driver failing to observe bicyclists on the street
Drivers not seeing a bicyclist when driving is a common cause of a collision involving a bicycle. Both motorists and bicyclists should take safety measures to limit this very avoidable cause of bike accidents.
Bicyclists can utilize safety devices like sideview mirrors, reflectors, lights, and light-colored clothing to help lower the possibility of an accident. Similarly, drivers must know that cars are not the only vehicles they need to look out for on the roads. Motor vehicle drivers need to be particularly careful at intersections, near bike lanes, and in locations 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 drivers. Cars can inadvertently or intentionally drift into a bike lane after just a few seconds of inattention. This can potentially cause a bicyclist to sustain significant 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 serious threat to cyclists, especially in urban environments. These incidents 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. Practicing defensive riding techniques is the best way for a cyclist to avoid being the victim of a dooring.
Distracted drivers hitting a cyclist
Distracted driving is one of the biggest concerns for roadway safety that we experience today. As smartphones have become a huge part of our daily lives, many people find it difficult to set down their phones even while driving. Distracted motorists are clearly a danger to other vehicles. Yet they are even more dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians since they have practically zero protection if they are struck. Someone that is distracted by texting, eating, or a myriad of other things may divert into bike lanes. Also, they may not notice a bicyclist 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 collisions involving motor vehicles.
Drivers failing to yield to bicyclists while pulling in and out of driveways or parking lots
When a driver that is backing out of a driveway or parking lot does not completely check their surroundings, it can lead to major 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 low noise levels. Backup video cameras and sensors are starting to minimize these kinds of accidents. However drivers can not rely 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 Topanga is the best way to prevent accidents and injuries. When moving in traffic, cyclists need to do the following:
What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you get injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to do the following:
Contact a Topanga Bicycle Accident Attorney at Drake Law Firm
If you sustain an injury in an accident with a motor vehicle while riding your bicycle, or someone you love has been tragically killed, you need to speak with a qualified bicycle accident attorney right away. He or she will help determine whether you might have a legitimate personal injury or wrongful death case against a negligent driver.
At Drake Law Firm, our knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys assist bicyclists in pursuing cases against negligent motorists who have caused major injuries. We understand how to receive all of the compensation you deserve for your injuries, whether that means filing a lawsuit or pursuing a solution using other means.
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