It is no secret that many drivers treat cyclists as second-class citizens, even though both of these motorists enjoy the same privileges on the road. Whether you are a competing cyclist, using the bicycle for grocery shopping, or just casually cycling, the reality is that every time you hit the road, you face adverse risks.
Anyone can go through a bicycle accident, and the steps that you take after the incident decide if you get just compensation or not. That is why hiring an expert attorney, such as Felix Gonzalez, becomes important. Such professionals assist you all along the way and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
With that being said, let’s try to understand the reasons behind the increase in bicycle accidents and how we can avoid the risks of facing similar situations. Let’s take a look.
Understanding the Reasons
Bicycle accidents happen frequently, and understanding the causes is key to preventing them. Although cyclists may take precautions, the actions of drivers often contribute to these incidents.
Bicycles face more danger due to the reasons highlighted below:
- Limited Visibility: Bicycles are harder to spot, especially in blind spots or during low-light conditions, making it easier for drivers to overlook them.
- Smaller Size: Unlike cars, bicycles are smaller and can be easily missed by drivers, especially when maneuvering through traffic or turning.
- Minimal Protection: Cyclists lack the protective barriers that drivers have, which increases the likelihood of serious injury if a collision occurs.
Why Have Bicycle Accidents Become So Common Lately?
Distracted Driving
According to numerous reports, distracted driving is the number one cause of all vehicle crashes on US roads, including bicycle accidents. Some factors leading to such accidents include texting while driving, talking on the phone, and using social media.
Speeding
Speeding is another significant factor leading to accidents involving cyclists. In reality, hitting a cyclist at high speed can cause more life-threatening injuries for the cyclist than the driver. Finally, driving at low speeds in residential areas with cyclists is equally dangerous.
Tailgating
Driving too close to a cyclist or overtaking less than three feet can become extremely dangerous. For one thing, it can significantly limit cyclists’ reaction time and increase the chances of an accident.
Failing to Yield
In some cases, drivers are supposed to yield to oncoming traffic, including bicycle traffic. When motorists flout road traffic rules and fail to give way to cyclists, they create unnecessarily dangerous situations, which can be fatal for either party.
Careless Turning
Even with a green light for turning at an intersection, it is the driver’s duty to check for pedestrian and bicycle traffic before turning. Sadly, most drivers fail to check, which is why this has become a common and completely avoidable accident.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a major menace on US roads. According to statistics, approximately 32 people die in the US daily due to alcohol-induced crashes, some of whom are cyclists.
Driver Fatigue
The effects of driver fatigue are not well documented, but studies have drawn a relationship between exhaustion and collisions. Hence, drivers on the road for long periods without rest are more likely to cause accidents, sometimes even involving cyclists.
Unsafe Lane Changes
This is another major cause of bicycle accidents on the roads. It mostly happens when drivers carelessly merge into cyclist lanes, causing accidents. It is more dangerous when drivers weave in and out of traffic.
Final Words
The rate of bicycle crashes has recently increased, and for the most part, it is the driver’s fault. Cyclists often face fatal injuries because they have less protection than drivers. Hence, all road users should follow traffic rules and exercise road discipline if these accidents are to be reduced.
Cyclists injured in a road accident involving a car, truck, van, or SUV can be liable for compensation. Hence, you should seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer to help you file your personal injury case and get compensation for the damages.
Such individuals tend to have experience in such cases and know the intricate details surrounding a successful claim. And given the fact that most tend to work on a contingency basis, you have nothing to lose by hiring them.
