Imagine riding your bike along the roadway. There aren’t many vehicles out, and no one has even gotten close to you. You feel confident that your ride will continue smoothly.
All of a sudden, a driver backs out of their driveway and crosses into your path. Their sudden maneuver makes it impossible to stop, and you hit the side of the vehicle.
Crashes like this aren’t uncommon, and cyclists can be badly hurt by drivers who aren’t cautious around them. Since there is a high risk of injury or death in this kind of accident, it’s important for cyclists and drivers to be aware of the rules of the road and to take steps to prevent bicycle crashes.
Crashes with cyclists can take lives
In 2017, there were 783 bicyclists killed in traffic collisions. Fortunately, there are some ways to prevent a bicycle crash and the injuries that come with it.
For example, if you’re planning on riding, make sure your attire stands out. Reflective clothing, bright colors and lights all help drivers see you. You can also add horns or bells to your bicycle, so they can hear you coming, too.
If you are a driver, it’s necessary to be cautious when backing out of driveways, especially when there isn’t a clear view of the road. Doing this helps prevent accidents where a car blocks a cyclist’s path.
Bicycles are vehicles, and they have a right to be on the roads. If you’re hit by a driver, remember that you can pursue a claim and make sure they’re held accountable for their actions.