Some people ride bicycles for sport or exercise. Others treat their bikes as a source of transportation. Whether a cyclist needs to run errands or burn some calories, they have the right to share the road with drivers operating motor vehicles. They follow the flow of traffic and have the right to ride on most roads.
Unfortunately, those in motor vehicles frequently make choices that put cyclists at risk. Many cycling collisions involving motor vehicles are the fault of the driver rather than the cyclist. Cycling enthusiasts who are familiar with the top-reported causes of bicycle crashes can use that information to protect themselves from injury or hold others accountable for their injuries.
What are the leading reasons that drivers hit cyclists?
Failing to yield
Cyclists, pedestrians and even motorcycle riders often complain that drivers act as though they own the roads. They lack appropriate respect for other people who have the legal right to use public streets. Often, that sense of entitlement manifests in a failure to yield the right of way.
At an intersection, for example, a driver might complete a rolling stop when there is a cyclist already fully stopped and waiting to proceed. The driver may then move through the intersection as though they have the right of way. Drivers choosing not to yield to cyclists is the number one identified cause of bicycle collisions caused by motor vehicles.
Not noticing cyclists
The other top reason that drivers cause crashes with cyclists is that they don’t monitor their surroundings. Drivers who fail to intentionally check for cyclists may overlook them in traffic. They can then cause collisions that have devastating consequences for the person on the two-wheeled vehicle.
Distraction caused by passengers and electronic devices can worsen surveillance issues. Even in cases where cyclists wear fluorescent colors and add illuminated gear to their bicycles, drivers may fail to recognize them on the road. They may cause preventable crashes due to their failure to properly monitor their surroundings.
Cyclists hurt by drivers may have the option of filing an insurance claim or possibly even a personal injury lawsuit. Learning about what causes cycling crashes can help people limit their risk of getting hurt as a result of one. But it can also serve as an important frame of reference when trying to hold negligent motorists accountable for causing preventable harm.