According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, almost 1,000 bicyclists die and 130,000 are injured every year as a result of bicycle accidents. Whether you’re a cyclist or just someone who has to share the road with cyclists, you should be aware of these five most common causes of bicycle accidents and how to avoid them.
What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?
Over the years, bikes have been involved in several collision cases that resulted in fatalities and serious injuries. The most common causes of bicycle accidents are as follows:
1. Speeding
Speeding is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents. When drivers of motor vehicles such as cars and trucks do not adhere to safe speed limits, cyclists can be killed or injured by that same vehicle. The faster a car, the more likely the driver will be unable to stop in time to avoid an accident.
2. Distracted driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in 2020, 3,142 people died from distracted driving crashes.
Whether it’s by talking on the phone or texting while driving, riding, or walking, distracted road users have been recorded to be involved in bicycle collisions.
If a driver is texting or talking on the phone while driving, they may not pay as much attention to their surroundings as they should and might not notice cyclists who are sharing the road with them.
3. Weaving in and out of traffic
The risk of a bike accident is increased by zigzaggers weaving through traffic, making it another common cause of bicycle accidents.
Incorrect lane changes on heavily congested roads can result in cyclists getting run over when motorists swerve from traffic lanes onto bicycle lanes.
4. Turning without checking
Cyclists are also at risk of being hit by turning vehicles.
Most accidents occur at intersections where the driver does not see the cyclist nearby. The best advice to avoid this is to always be aware of what’s going on around you when turning or changing lanes in traffic.
5. Disregarding the red light
People disregard the stop lights at intersections probably because they are in a hurry to get to their destination or they are distracted by their phones. Disregarding this signal causes accidents.
To avoid bicycle accidents, stop at the red light and wait for it to turn green before continuing on your journey.
Tips to avoid bicycle accidents
- Ride the right bike size: The right bike size helps you ride safely and also helps to keep your body in the best position to avoid accidents. It’s crucial to know your height and inseam measurements when choosing a bicycle size. It may be difficult to find the right bike size when shopping online if you don’t have these measurements handy.
- Inspect your brakes: Inspecting your brakes before using your bike is an essential part of safe biking. To avoid bike accidents and injuries, make sure they are in perfect condition. If you’re having trouble with your brakes, ensure you fix them before riding.
- Timely hand signals: Keep in mind that a clear hand signal is vital to helping drivers understand your next move.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Call us at 800-454-5299 for a free case evaluation today!