Can drivers and bicyclists cohabit the road peacefully?

by | Feb 20, 2019 | Bicycle Accidents

Seattle residents often worry about transportation situations. Buses, trucks, cars, bikes, motorcycles and pedestrians all share the road. In a cramped and hectic city like Seattle, this can be a big problem. So how can you work together to share the road safely with other types of vehicles? Today, we’ll focus on drivers and bicyclists.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) works to promote a list of ways that drivers can safely share the road with bicyclists, as well as pedestrians and motorcyclists. This has been an issue with commuters for a long time. In many instances, all parties involved may try to shove the responsibility on others, claiming that it is not their job to ensure that other parties are safe while out and about.

The NHTSA challenges that idea, instead suggesting that everyone should share responsibility while on the road. It doesn’t boil down to who has the “right of way”, who was there first, or anything like that. Instead, people should be willing to forgive mistakes, remain vigilant, and watch out for the drivers who are more vulnerable than they are. In terms of cars and bikes, this means allowing bicyclists to do what they need to do in order to be safe on the road. Don’t crowd them, turn into them, or threaten them. They are much more susceptible to injury and should thus be watched out for.

Remaining vigilant and protecting yourself is important. Keeping an eye out for others is also key, right alongside defensive driving skills. This way, cars and bikes can exist together on the road while simultaneously cutting down the possibility of an accident occurring.

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