Bicycle accidents are one of the most tragic and deadliest types of road accidents. Many of them are caused by driver negligence. As cyclists share the road with other motor vehicles, it is necessary for drivers to be alert and considerate.
If you sustain any injuries, then it is necessary to hire a bicycle accident lawyer who can help you get fair compensation.
In this blog post, we will explain six common types of driver negligence that contribute to bicycle collisions.
What are the six forms of driver negligence that cause bicycle accidents?
Bicycle collisions can occur for several reasons, but the most common cause is driver negligence.
Motorists contribute to bicycle accidents in the following ways:
- Distracted Driving
- Crossing in Front of a Bicycle
- Dooring
- Driving While Intoxicated
- Running a Red Light
- Not Checking Blind Spots
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the leading reason for bicycle accidents. When drivers divert their attention away from the road, they become a significant threat to everyone on the road. Here are several ways drivers get distracted:
- Eating
- Listening to the songs
- Texting
- Watching a movie
- Talking on the phone
- Engaging in a conversation with a passenger
All these distractions impair the driver’s reaction time, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Crossing in Front of a Bicycle
Intersections can be particularly hazardous for cyclists. One common form of negligence is when drivers fail to yield to cyclists. Drivers may disregard the presence of cyclists when crossing or turning at intersections, leading to accidents.
Cyclists are vulnerable in these circumstances, and the failure of drivers to recognize the right of way poses a significant risk.
Dooring
A dooring accident generally happens immediately after a car parks. In this type of accident, the cyclist crashes into the door of a car that has opened suddenly.
In dooring accidents, the car driver is almost always the liable party. This is mainly because it is their responsibility to check for vehicles when exiting their car. A driver is expected to look at both sides before opening the door. They might have been too distracted to notice the cyclist, which caused the accident.
Driving While Intoxicated
Intoxicated driving is a type of driver negligence that involves operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driving while intoxicated impairs a driver’s coordination, judgment, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
For cyclists, encountering an impaired driver can be particularly dangerous, as the erratic behavior of an intoxicated driver can result in unpredictable movements, putting cyclists at an increased risk of serious accidents.
Not Checking Blind Spots
When drivers fail to check blind spots or signals properly before changing lanes, they may collide with a cyclist who is sharing the road.
Cyclists are more vulnerable in these situations, and sudden lane changes without proper awareness can lead to sideswiping, forcing the cyclist off the road.
Running a Red Light
Disregarding traffic signals, particularly running a red light, is a dangerous behavior that endangers all road users, including cyclists. If drivers fail to follow traffic signals, they put cyclists at risk of intersection accidents.
Cyclists may have the right of way, and when drivers ignore red lights, they increase the likelihood of collisions that can cause serious injuries or even fatalities.
Key Takeaways
- Drivers should behave responsibly and be aware of their surroundings to prevent bicycle accidents. Doing so can create safer roads for both cyclists and drivers
- Drivers and cyclists must follow the traffic rules and regulations
- Drivers must be aware of the potential challenges and hazards that cyclists face on the road and drive accordingly
- Drivers must be aware of right of way laws and act upon them, especially at intersections
