Riding your bike is an excellent way to get around your neighborhood and an even better way to exercise. There is nothing quite like the feeling of the wind and the fresh air blowing in your face while taking your bike on a new trail; however, this joy can quickly be overshadowed by a bike accident. Bicycle accidents are unfortunately very common in our society and they can lead to serious long lasting injuries, and even death.
As Utah bike accident lawyers we have seen it all, and we want to help all cyclists stay as safe as possible while they ride their bikes. One way that you can avoid getting hurt in a bike accident is by understanding the most common causes of bike accidents so that you can avoid them. In this article our bike accident lawyers will be exploring the 5 most common causes of bike accidents and the steps you can take to keep yourself safe while on your bike.
Distracted Driving
The primary culprit behind bike accidents is none other than distracted driving. Distracted driving has become a plague on our roads and is the leading cause of both car and bicycle accidents. Distracted driving refers to anytime a driver diverts their attention from the road even if it is for a very brief moment. When a driver is distracted there is a much higher risk of missing a cyclist’s presence, which can lead to a collision.
Most bicycle accidents occur due to a lack of visibility to other drivers. Before you embark on your next ride consider taking steps to enhance your visibility to those around you. You can do this by wearing bright or reflective clothing, and attaching lights to your bicycle to create beacons around you. This will ensure that you are more visible and a driver will be aware of your presence and avoid you.
The Threat of Dooring
Dooring occurs when a driver unexpectedly opens their car door into a cyclist’s path, and these accidents can be devastating. To help prevent these accidents our bike accident lawyers strongly advise that you keep a healthy distance from parked cars and remain vigilant for signs or activity from within a vehicle. Try your best to use designated bike lanes or trails as these places are designed to keep cyclists from a door zone and safe from cars. We understand that avoiding cars entirely can be next to impossible, so try your best to stay alert and aware that a car door may open at any given moment.
Intersections
An intersection is a hotspot for all kinds of accidents. With right turns and left crosses a turning vehicle can easily intersect a cyclist’s path. One tip we would recommend is to try to make eye contact with a driver. By making eye contact it ensures that the driver sees you and will then be able to properly avoid you as they drive through the intersection.
This eye contact can significantly reduce the risk of getting into an accident. When you are riding a bicycle, always remember to position yourself in a way that you are visible to other vehicles, as this is crucial to your safety.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions are another major cause of bicycle accidents. A road may have potholes, cracks, or be uneven which can lead to loss of control and a potential crash. Combine these road hazards with weather conditions and the dangers become much greater.
When you are riding your bike a strategy to avoid getting into an accident from poor road conditions is to plan ahead. Research your route ahead of time to learn of any potential dangers that you may encounter on your ride. By taking this step you can greatly reduce your chances of getting into an accident. If your trail does have any hazardous road conditions then remember to report them to local authorities to help prevent accidents.
Speed
Speed is a major factor in both the occurrence and severity of bicycle accidents. Cyclists and motorists should always adhere to posted speed limits and adjust their speed based on the current road and traffic conditions. Riding or driving at high speeds decreases the amount of time you are able to make a decision which significantly increases the likelihood of getting into an accident. Speed also impacts cyclists specifically as your ability to react to a hazard in the road (a rock, a person, etc) which is a major cause of biking accidents.
By traveling at a safe speed it ensures that you can react promptly to avoid hazards and keep you and the people around you safe.
Riding Against Traffic
As a cyclist you are required by law to ride in the direction of traffic, but some cyclists prefer to ride against the flow of traffic. This is incredibly dangerous and is a major cause of cycling accidents. When riding against the flow of traffic cyclists face dangers of being hit head on by a vehicle swerving out of a lane or making a turn. When you are riding your bike, always remember to ride in the same direction as traffic and try your best to utilize appropriate bike lanes and paths to ensure your safe journey!
Roads can often be fraught with hazards for cyclists, but if you are armed with knowledge and are prepared for anything, the risks associated with riding your bike can be substantially reduced. Always make sure that you wear proper safety gear, keep your bike in good working condition, and always ride safely and defensively when around any vehicles on the road.
If you are injured in an accident, be sure to contact the best bike accident lawyers in Salt Lake City. At LifeLaw Trial Lawyers we love riding bikes. In fact one of our attorneys, David Francis, was on the U.S Olympic cycling team alongside Lance Armstrong. This unique love for bicycling allows him to understand the complexities of a bike accident, and help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident, do not hesitate to get the help you deserve. Contact LifeLaw Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation and to discuss your options further.