Technically, cyclists have to share the road with motor vehicles. Even when there are designated bike lanes, they are usually part of the main road. The law treats bicycles as vehicles. Cyclists have to obey the same traffic statutes as drivers. They bike on the right side of the road, must defer to lights or signs at intersections, need to communicate with others in traffic and should yield the right of way when necessary.
Unfortunately, cyclists still end up involved in collisions caused by those in motor vehicles. Even cyclists who try to make themselves visible and prioritize safety can end up seriously injured if a collision occurs. When looking at cycling collision statistics, it is clear that they are much more of a safety issue in the late spring and summer than they are through the cooler parts of the year.
Cyclists planning to hit the road in the near future may want to refresh themselves on the risk factors most likely to cause collisions.
Failure to yield
When multiple vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, one of them has the right-of-way to proceed, while the others need to yield. The same rules apply regarding right-of-way regardless of whether someone is on a bicycle or in a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, many drivers assume that cyclists have to yield the right-of-way. They may proceed through intersections when they should not, leading to preventable, potentially tragic collisions.
Distraction and poor surveillance
Distracted driving has become an increasingly serious safety concern in the last decade. People struggle to disconnect from their mobile devices. They may also try to multitask while operating vehicles. Distracted drivers can overlook cyclists and may cause crashes when they turn, merge or proceed through intersections unaware of their presence.
Intoxication
Many major cycling collisions involve a driver who is under the influence. Impaired drivers can be less predictable than others in traffic. They may also struggle to focus on their surroundings and respond appropriately to changing traffic conditions.
Cyclists hurt by irresponsible drivers and those who break the law may have grounds to seek compensation from the person at fault for a wreck. Learning about and avoiding cycling safety hazards can reduce crash risk. Responding appropriately after a bicycle collision caused by a motor vehicle can help cyclists recover their losses.
