Cyclists may ride their bikes for fun or for exercise. They may travel via bicycle to save on transportation costs or ride as a social activity. Any cyclists who bike on public roads have to pay close attention to the conduct of nearby motorists.
Drivers can easily cause incidents that have devastating consequences for cyclists. Even when cyclists carefully follow safety rules, wear the best protective gear and proactively maintain their bicycles, they can sustain injuries if they cross paths with the wrong drivers.
Cyclists who understand the various ways that vehicles might endanger them can better prioritize their safety in traffic. What are some of the ways that people in motor vehicles can put cyclists at risk?
1. By becoming distracted
It only takes a split second for traffic conditions to change. Drivers need to pay close attention to their surroundings to ensure they can respond appropriately and safely.
Unfortunately, there are many sources of distractions that lead to drivers dividing their attention. Given how easy it is for drivers to overlook cyclists in the best of circumstances, those who allow themselves to become distracted can pose a real hazard.
2. By opening a door into traffic
The driver of a motor vehicle and other occupants of the vehicle can create a very dangerous scenario for nearby cyclists. People intending to exit a motor vehicle should check for oncoming traffic to ensure they don’t cause a crash when they open their doors.
Many people only glance at oncoming traffic when exiting a vehicle. They might not notice a cyclist approaching. They could then open the door and cause a dooring incident, which could have devastating consequences for the person on the bicycle.
3. Failing to yield at intersections
Whether an intersection has a traffic light or requires that all approaching drivers stop, some drivers do not comply with those obligations. Particularly when traffic levels are low or when motorists are quite familiar with an area, they may fail to come to a full stop and properly survey their surroundings before proceeding.
In such cases, they could cause devastating collisions if there is a cyclist already approaching or proceeding through the intersection. Rolling stops and failing to yield at intersections can put others in danger.
Motorists who make unsafe choices in traffic are responsible if their actions cause harm to others. Seeking financial compensation from irresponsible or negligent motorists can help cyclists recover their losses after a bicycle crash.
