Car accidents are sad, but everyone knows what to do in this case. First, the incident is registered, and then the victims contact the insurance company. However, when talking about road users, cyclists are often forgotten. Meanwhile, they are quite frequently involved in accidents. In this article, we will talk about the main reasons for such cases.
Reasons
Both cyclists and motorists with pedestrians commit violations. The AMK Lawyers in Australia says that each case should be examined separately. However, it is still possible to identify the most frequent reasons that lead to tragic consequences.
Driver’s Inattention When Turning Right
According to statistics, about 12% of fatal accidents occur because a car turning right does not notice a cyclist who is moving parallel or straight. In such cases, the driver is always found guilty.
How to avoid accidents: Drivers should indicate maneuvers with turn signals and monitor the situation on the road using mirrors. Drivers should be internally prepared for the fact that a car from the outer lane can suddenly go to the right.
Riding on Sidewalks
There is no place for a bicycle on the sidewalk. Although cyclists are treated quite leniently on the sidewalk, a collision between cyclists and pedestrians can lead to injuries more serious than bruises and abrasions.
How to avoid accidents: bicycles must move along the bicycle path, and if there is none, in the far right lane of the roadway, in one row as far to the right as possible. Riding on the shoulder is allowed if it does not interfere with pedestrians.
Neglect of Reflectors and Lights
Cyclists must equip their vehicles with lights and always turn them on when riding on public roads! Day and night in populated areas and on the highway, a bicycle must be marked with a white headlight at the front and a red light at the back. Neglect of this rule often leads to accidents, especially when riding on country roads.
How to avoid accidents: cyclists should make themselves as visible as possible on the roads.
Drivers Cannot Estimate the Speed and Braking Distance of a Bicycle.
There is a misconception among motorists that a bicycle cannot accelerate to a decent speed but can stop almost instantly. In fact, the average city speed of a cyclist is from 25 to 30 km / h. A bike can accelerate to 40—45 km/h if desired. The braking distance of a bicycle is also quite long, although somewhat shorter than a car’s. So, moving at a speed of 20 km/h, a cyclist can stop in 3-4 meters, and from 40 km/h — in 7-8 meters.
How to avoid accidents: data on the speed and braking distance of a bicycle must be taken into account by car drivers when changing lanes and other maneuvers near cyclists.
Drivers Hit Cyclists with Open Doors
Often, drivers, having stopped on the side of the road, carelessly open the door without looking around. If a cyclist passes by at that moment, they risk getting severe injuries.
How to avoid accidents: be careful when opening the door.
Cyclists Make Unpredictable Maneuvers
It is impossible to equip a bicycle with brake lights and turn signals. Therefore, the actions of a cyclist often surprise other road users.
How to avoid accidents: two-wheelers should be extremely careful when going around obstacles, slowing down, and changing lanes, if possible — informing motorists about this with special gestures.
Consequences
All participants in an accident should know the rules very well. This will help to quickly understand who is at fault and what to do next. However, it is with cyclists that problems most often arise. AMK Lawyers recommends that you immediately contact an experienced specialist. The lawyer will analyze the situation and tell you about your rights and responsibilities. They will also help you draw up the documents correctly. If the case is serious, a lawyer will be able to accompany you to court and represent your interests.
Conclusion
Driving any vehicle entails responsibility. A bicycle is no exception. Very often, cyclists become the culprits or victims of accidents. To avoid this, knowing the traffic rules well and staying attentive on the road is essential. However, if an accident does occur, it is crucial to enlist the help of a qualified lawyer. This will help avoid many misunderstandings and troubles.
