Why Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?

Cycling is a popular mode of transport. You can enjoy a form of exercise while making it to your destination and avoid having to pay for fuel and vehicle maintenance. However, cyclists are also vulnerable when sharing the road with vehicles, and accidents can have devastating consequences. A

ccording to the CDC, nearly 1,000 cyclists are killed yearly, and more than 130,000 experience injuries. Often, these devastating accidents happen for some of the following reasons.

Drivers Are Distracted

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents. Vehicle drivers are paying more attention to their cars and mobile devices than their surroundings, leading to a collision with a cyclist that can often lead to severe injuries and even death.

As cyclists also have a much smaller profile than other vehicles, distracted drivers might even be less likely to spot a cyclist or pedestrian than another car before it’s too late.

Unsafe Lane Changes

Something as innocent as a lane change can have devastating consequences for a cyclist if a driver doesn’t ensure the lane is clear. While many drivers think they only need to check their mirrors before changing lanes, it can be essential to check all blind spots and perform head checks before merging.

Some of the most common areas of the vehicle impacting visibility include the front and rear  pillars, and dashboard. Drivers who pay close attention to these areas might be less likely to cause accidents.

Speeding

Bicycle accidents can sometimes occur when passenger vehicles are driving too fast and are unable to stop in time to avoid hitting a cyclist. However, speeding is dangerous for everyone on the road, not just cyclists. It decreases your stopping time, reduces your time to make decisions, and increases your chances of severe injuries in an accident.

As cyclists don’t have a layer of protection surrounding them as passenger vehicle drivers do, they are also at an increased risk of potentially fatal injuries.

Not Giving Cyclists Room

It can sometimes be much harder to avoid a collision between cyclists and cars if the drivers don’t give the cyclists adequate room. Overtaking a cyclist too closely or following them too closely might result in an accident.

However, if vehicle drivers were to allow more than three feet of space while passing and kept a safe distance behind them at intersections and give waypoints, they might be able to avoid putting themselves and cyclists in a situation that results in severe or life-threatening injuries.

Failure To Yield

Many vehicle operators don’t view cyclists as road users like themselves. Instead, they view them as an inconvenience. Studies have even shown a significant link between negative attitudes and aggressive driving behaviors.

As a result of these negative attitudes, and potentially even out of ignorance, some drivers don’t believe they have to obey road rules when cyclists are involved, such as yielding to cyclists at intersections and roundabouts. In reality, they do. Failure to give way to cyclists can lead to serious accidents with potentially fatal outcomes.

Bicycle accidents can happen for a number of different reasons, and the leading causes may have surprised you. The next time you’re in a car and encounter a cyclist, take the time to remember how easy it can be to cause an accident. You might then realize the importance of driving with care and giving cyclists plenty of space.