Environmentalists worldwide finally have a trend worth celebrating! The number of people who consider cycling their preferred transportation method has been rising steadily over the last decade. Increased urbanization and the meteoric rise in popularity of e-bikes have helped drive this shift, and there’s no sign of it slowing down.
Unfortunately, there is a dark side to the story. 2022 saw more traffic fatalities involving bicyclists colliding with motor vehicles than any other year on record. This statistic coincides with a similar rise in reckless driving behaviors since 2020. As more bicyclists begin sharing the road, these reckless activities will only put even more people in danger.
This means cyclists must be proactive in their defenses while sharing the road. Recognizing what spots they will be in the most danger, and sticking to a standard plan of attack, will help reduce the chances that they will add another number to a tragic statistic.
Highway Offramps And Parking Lot Exits
One of the most common locations for pedestrian and bicycle collisions with motor vehicles is highway offramps and parking lot exits. Drivers will often only look in the direction of oncoming traffic and will speed into the intersection if they notice a break they can fit in without bothering to look in the other direction.
As a cyclist, if you are approaching an offramp or car exit from the opposite direction of the traffic flow, you must be highly cautious of drivers attempting an exit. Approach the intersection slowly and observe whether or not the driver looks in your direction. If you can’t see them or they don’t look back, it’s better to wait for them to pass before making your crossing.
Construction Zones
Bike lanes have been one of the most beneficial developments for cyclists of all ages and have been a principal driver in reducing fatalities for most demographics. Unfortunately, bicycle lanes are subject to the same need for maintenance as the rest of the road, meaning they will be frequently closed for construction.
These construction zones represent a major danger to cyclists, who are forced to share the same space as motor vehicles. Motorists are primarily on alert for other vehicles, and a smaller body often fails to register when distractions are pervasive.
When approaching a construction site, bicyclists have several options. If a sidewalk is available, taking the bicycle off the road and onto the sidewalk is often the safest choice.
If the cyclist is forced to stay on the road, visibility is their best defense. Putting the traffic cones on the road between themselves and the driver can help put distance between them. Alternatively, a bright blinking tail light and bright clothing can help alert drivers to their presence.
Road Hazards
On the flip side of construction zones, many municipalities don’t provide regular upkeep activities on their roadways. This causes significant degradation of the roads, which can cause dangerous hazards for cyclists even on roads with bike lanes present.
These hazards include large potholes, debris from previous accidents and deteriorating roads, and temporary fixes like gratings and metal plates. While these hazards don’t necessarily put the cyclist in danger from motor vehicles, they can cause falls that cause serious injury and put the rider in the path of oncoming traffic.
Cyclists need to be consistently aware of their surroundings, which includes the condition of the road they’re riding on. If the lane they’re in is littered with debris or filled with potholes, cyclists should reduce speed to ensure they’re capable of maneuvering around unexpected obstacles.
Gratings and metal plates used to cover obstacles temporarily must also be approached with increased caution. Depending on the tire size and grating type, gratings can significantly damage a tire or even cause it to get stuck. Metal plates become extremely slick when wet, which means a small spill or morning dew can easily cause a fall.
If the road condition is especially bad, it may be prudent to find an alternative route to your destination. When in doubt, the safest course of action is to either get on the sidewalk or dismount from the bicycle and maneuver it around road obstacles.
Dooring Accidents
Much like when entering an intersection, many motorists exiting their vehicles have very little situational awareness. If they bother to look at all before opening the car door, they are likely just checking for oncoming traffic to ensure it’s safe.
If a cyclist approaches a parked vehicle and the occupant opens the door unexpectedly, this can lead to a “dooring accident” or the cyclist colliding with the now-open car door. While frequently depicted as humorous in the media, these accidents can cause severe injury, especially if the cyclist hits the door at a high speed.
Cyclists approaching a road with a significant amount of street parking are advised to slow down and keep an eye on recently parked cars. If possible, stick to the sidewalk or keep enough distance from parked cars that even a fully open door would not present an obstacle.
When and Why You Should Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Even when taking all of the necessary precautions, cyclists are extremely vulnerable to harm while on the road. Whether it’s a reckless driver or a municipality neglecting its responsibilities to maintain roadways, accidents resulting in injury or death can happen at a moment’s notice.
Cyclists usually lack the kind of dedicated insurance required when operating a vehicle, meaning they could be entirely in the hands of the other driver’s insurer in the event of a collision. If the driver lacks insurance (something becoming increasingly common), speeds away from the scene, or if their provider simply refuses to properly recompense the victim, the cyclist has few options.
If you find yourself or a loved one the victim of a cycling accident in Orange County, resulting in injury or death, it is highly recommended that you get in contact with a personal injury lawyer. Leslie Law Firm specializes in providing you with the strongest case possible to maximize your chances of getting a fair settlement after your accident, and our track record in getting compensation for our clients speaks for itself
Personal injury attorneys like Leslie Law Firm help victims by providing access to a team of special investigators that help determine liability and collect evidence, negotiate settlements with insurers, and bring cases to court if settlements fail to meet expectations. Leslie Law Firm will handle every aspect of your case from start to finish, leaving you free to focus on recovery.
By recognizing danger areas and obstructions that represent the greatest risk to you as a cyclist, you can reduce the chances of colliding with a motor vehicle – but it is never risk-free. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of a driver or a poorly maintained roadway, our experienced and compassionate attorneys can help you navigate the legal and insurance landscape to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
If you, or someone you know, are in an accident due to the negligence of others, contact our experienced injury attorneys at leslieinjurylaw.com/contact/ or call (949) 752-7474 for a free consultation.
