Cyclists should be able to safely share the road with larger vehicles. Traffic statutes allow cyclists to ride on public streets, especially in areas where there are no bicycle lanes. Although bicycles are technically vehicles, they do very little to protect people from severe injury if a crash occurs.
Many cyclists do everything they can to keep themselves safe. They learn and follow the law. They regularly replace their safety gear. They may even wear fluorescent colors and illuminated equipment to attract attention on the road.
Despite making all of those efforts, crashes between motor vehicles and bicycles remain relatively common. When they occur, the cyclist is at significant risk of injury or even death. Many of those crashes are clearly the fault of those in larger vehicles. What commonly leads to drivers causing bicycle crashes?
Apathy or even antipathy
Cyclists sometimes claim that they feel like drivers hate them based on their aggressive conduct in traffic. There is actually some validity to that assertion. Researchers discussing traffic matters with drivers have found that a significant portion of motorists resent the requirement to share the road with cyclists. They may ignore the need to adjust their practices for cyclist safety because they dislike encountering people on bicycles. Others may not feel strongly about cyclists but make no effort to ensure their safety in traffic.
Unfamiliarity with the rules
There are many traffic regulations that dictate how drivers should behave near cyclists on the road. There are also rules governing cyclist behavior. Drivers may not be familiar with the hand signals used by cyclists. They may assume that motor vehicles are larger and always have the right of way. Their lack of traffic safety knowledge may ultimately be what causes a crash.
Observational deficiencies
Some cycling collisions occur because drivers do not pay attention to their surroundings. Distraction has become an increasingly serious safety concern on the roads in recent years, and distracted drivers can easily overlook cyclists. Even those who don’t handle their mobile phones in traffic may struggle to notice bicycles and other small vehicles.
When drivers are at fault for cycling collisions, they may have an obligation to provide compensation. Filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit can potentially help those injured in cycling crashes recover medical expenses, lost wages and other costs associated with the incident.