—
Cycling is terrific exercise and better for the environment than other forms of transportation. Whether you enjoy riding your bike recreationally or rely on it to get to and from the places you need to go, it’s critical to be aware of five common types of bicycle accidents and the steps you can take to avoid them. Bicycle collisions are much likelier to result in serious injuries than motor vehicle accidents because cyclists have very little to protect them from the physical forces released in a crash.
Every bicycle rider must understand how fast an accident can happen and remain aware of the environment around them while they ride. You should always be prepared to react when you recognize the signs of one of these types of common bicycle accidents to avoid being struck by a car. Here are the five most common bicycle accident scenarios and how to avoid them from knowledgeable Los Angeles bike accident attorney Steven M. Sweat.
1. Right Hook Bicycle Collisions
A right-hook bicycle accident occurs when a car or truck passes a bicycle on the cyclist’s lefthand side. The motorist then turns right across the cyclist’s path. Because of this, the cyclist strikes the turning vehicle, or the vehicle collides with the front portion of the bicycle. Many motorists assume that bicycles always travel slowly and underestimate their actual speed. This misconception can cause right-hook bicycle collisions. The reality is that bicycle riders on city streets may be traveling nearly as fast as the traffic around them.
How to Avoid a Right-Hook Bicycle Accident
To avoid being involved in a right-hook bicycle accident, you can do a couple of things. First, avoid passing slowly moving cars on their right-hand side. If you do, you’ll be in the motorist’s blind spot as you pass. If there isn’t a separate bicycle lane, ride in the traffic lane instead of along the shoulder. You have a right to ride in the traffic lane in California. It’s better to make motorists slow down behind you and then wait to turn right than to let them pass you while you are riding on the shoulder. Pay attention to vehicles that pass you to your left, and try to make eye contact with the motorist. This might help increase their awareness of where you are and will hopefully keep them from turning into you or across your path. Finally, if a driver doesn’t appear to notice you and passes you on the left, watch for a turn signal or sudden movements, and be prepared to swerve or brake.
If you are a motorist, don’t try to pass a bicycle on the left while planning to make a right turn in front of them. Recognize that cyclists might go 30 miles per hour. It’s better to simply wait for a couple of extra seconds behind a bicycle and then turn right when you reach the street or parking lot where you want to turn.
2. Left-Cross Bicycle vs. Car Crashes
Left-cross bicycle accidents occur when a motorist doesn’t notice a bicyclist when preparing to turn left. The car then turns directly into the cyclist and strikes them head-on. The left-cross bicycle vs. car collision is very common and can be among the most devasting types of crashes involving bicycles.
How to Avoid a Left-Cross Bicycle Collision
When you approach intersections, watch for cars preparing to turn left. If you see a vehicle turning into your path from your lefthand side, try to brake and swerve out of the way. If you can’t stop and avoid the car in time, turn right to travel parallel to the car. As soon as you can, pull your bike to the road’s side before you turn your bike and resume traveling in your original direction.
If you are a motorist, always watch for cyclists when you are preparing to turn left. Since bicycles are significantly smaller than cars and trucks, many motorists fail to check for them. Make a habit of looking out for bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians whenever you turn to prevent this type of potentially catastrophic accident.
3. Dooring Accidents
On streets with on-street parking, dooring accidents are a risk for cyclists. These are common because cyclists typically ride on the far righthand side of the road. Motorists may not check for oncoming bicycles before they open their doors, which can lead to a dooring accident. The cyclist can’t stop in time to avoid colliding with the door, which can then cause them to be thrown from their bike and suffer serious injuries.
How to Avoid a Dooring Accident
When you’re riding your bicycle, avoid riding so far to the right that you’re close to cars parked along the sides of the street. If you have no other choice but to ride there, watch for people sitting in the driver’s or back driver’s side passenger seat who appear to be getting ready to get out of their vehicle. Try to ride at least three feet away from cars parked on the street. You have the right to take the traffic lane, and doing so can help you avoid a dooring accident.
If you’re a motorist, look over your shoulder before opening your door. Instruct your passengers to do the same. Don’t rely on your mirrors alone before opening your car door. A cyclist may be riding by your car in your blind spot.
4. Backing Collisions
Backing collisions involving bicycles are common in residential areas when drivers back out of their driveways onto the street. Many drivers don’t think to watch for bicycles when they back out of their driveways, so be careful when you ride along streets with multiple driveways.
How to Avoid a Backing Collision
It’s difficult to prevent a collision with a car backing out of its driveway when you are riding in a residential area with many homes. Watch ahead as you ride to look for people with their reverse lights who are preparing to leave. If you can, it’s better to plan a different route than to ride along a street with numerous driveways. However, you have to ride on this type of street, take the traffic lane, and avoid riding far to the righthand side of the road. Don’t ride on the sidewalk because a backing motorist is less likely to expect you to be there.
If you are a motorist preparing to back out of your driveway, look over your right shoulder for oncoming cyclists before you begin backing your car. Don’t solely rely on backing cameras because they won’t show you someone who hasn’t quite reached your driveway yet.
5. Rear-End Bicycle Collisions
Getting struck from the rear is one of the reasons some cyclists try to ride against the flow of traffic. However, it’s against the law to ride against the flow of traffic. Instead, you should ride in the far right lane or an available bicycle lane. You won’t be able to see a car approaching from behind and often won’t be able to prevent this type of collision.
How to Avoid a Rear-End Bicycle Collision
To avoid being hit from behind while riding your bike, make yourself as visible as possible. Make sure you have bright tail and headlights on your bicycle. Your rear taillight should blink red to draw the attention of cars behind you. Wear brightly colored, reflective clothing to make sure you stand out from the street around you. Use hand signals when you want to change direction, and look over your shoulder for traffic before you turn.
If you are a motorist, avoid distracted driving. Stay off your cell phone, and keep your eyes and attention focused on the road. Watch for cyclists in front of you, and slow down behind them. You can pass a cyclist where it’s safe to do so, but give them plenty of room when you re-enter the lane.
While it’s not always possible to avoid being involved in a bicycle accident, knowing the five most common types of collisions involving cars vs. bikes and steps to avoid them might help to decrease your risk. If you are seriously injured in one of these types of accidents, seek medical attention immediately and consider consulting a bicycle accident lawyer about your rights.
—
