While bicycles are a great way to get around, they also put riders at greater risk on the roads. Safety should never be taken lightly; even small mistakes can lead to serious accidents with devastating consequences for both cyclists and motorists. Understanding some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents and how to stay safe is the best way to avoid accidents.
The most common include the following:
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions can also lead to serious bicycle accidents. Potholes, uneven surfaces, debris in bike lanes, and narrow roads are all hazards that cyclists must contend with on a daily basis.
To protect yourself from these hazards, it’s important to ride slowly when traveling over unfamiliar roads and wear protective gear such as helmets and knee pads whenever possible. Additionally, if you come across a particularly hazardous stretch of road, you should report it immediately so that repairs can be made as soon as possible.
Distracted Driving
Another common cause of bicycle accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving includes any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road such as texting while driving, eating while driving, or talking on the phone while driving. Distracted drivers may not be able to see cyclists in their blind spots or may simply not pay enough attention to notice them at all.
To protect yourself from distracted drivers, you should always wear bright clothing and use lights and reflectors when riding at night or in low light conditions. You should also never assume that drivers are paying attention; it’s best to assume that they aren’t until proven otherwise by their behavior on the road.
Poor Road or Bike Lane Designs
One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents is poor road designs or design flaws in bike lanes. This can include inadequate signage warning drivers of cyclists on the road, poorly placed guardrails or curbs, or too-narrow streets with no dedicated cycling lane nearby. Poorly designed roads may also have sharp curves that make it difficult for cyclists to navigate safely.
In addition, construction zones can cause hazards such as loose gravel that can cause a cyclist to lose control of their bike. To stay safe on the road, pay close attention to your surroundings and be aware of any potential hazards that you may encounter while cycling.
Car Door Collisions
Car door collisions are another leading cause of bicycle crashes that often result in serious injury or even death for the cyclist involved. These accidents happen when someone exiting their car doesn’t see a cyclist coming, and the cyclist isn’t able to stop in time to avoid the accident.
To help prevent this type of accident from occurring, always keep an eye out for parked cars alongside roads where bicyclists typically ride – especially if there aren’t any designated bike lanes present. Additionally, be prepared for drivers opening car doors unexpectedly along your route as well – always ride defensively.
If you have been involved in an accident while riding your bike due to another person’s negligence or recklessness, we’re here for you. We understand how traumatic these accidents are and we work hard every day to ensure our clients receive fair compensation. Contact our Washington, D.C. bicycle accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.