Managing Partner
Whether you ride a bicycle for exercise or transportation, you are at risk every time you hit the road. Unfortunately, drivers often fail to respect the rights of cyclists, and this can create dangerous situations, many of which result in accidents. In this article, we discuss eight of the most common causes of bicycle accidents.
#1: Distracted Driving
Drivers today are more distracted than ever. Rather than watching the road, drivers routinely focus on their cell phones, GPS systems, and other electronic devices. Unfortunately, distracted driving is a common cause of accidents—many of them involving pedestrians and cyclists. Common types of distractions include dialing phone numbers, reading and responding to texts, using social media, and talking on the phone.
#2: Driving Too Closely
Drivers who follow and pass bicycle riders too closely create dangerous situations for everyone involved. Not only are drivers who behave like this more likely to hit cyclists, but they also make it difficult for cyclists to avoid collisions and other types of accidents.
#3: Speeding
Speeding makes it difficult to stop quickly and make decisions while on the road. So, when a speeding driver encounters a bicyclist, things can go downhill very quickly. Unfortunately, bicyclists who are struck by speeding vehicles are likely to suffer serious injuries and even death.
#4: Unsafe Lane Changes
Drivers who make unsafe lane changes put bicyclists at serious risk. Bicycle accidents stemming from unsafe lane changes typically occur when drivers merge into cyclists’ lanes without first ensuring that the lane is clear.
#5: Failing to Look Before Turning
Drivers who make turns at green lights still have an obligation to check for bicyclists and pedestrians. When they fail to do so, accidents often occur, resulting in serious injuries to cyclists.
#6: Failing to Stop
Drivers who fail to stop at red lights and stop signs create a serious risk for themselves and others. And unfortunately, these risks are magnified for bicyclists, who often incur serious injuries following a collision with a vehicle.
#7: Failing to Yield
Failing to yield is another common cause of bicycle accidents. There are many points on the road where drivers are required to yield. When they fail to do so, they put bicyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers at risk.
#8: Impaired Driving
Finally, one of the most dangerous things a driver can do is operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol and drugs can significantly reduce a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle, and a high number of bicycle accidents are caused by impaired drivers.
Contact a Long Island Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in New York, Dell & Dean, PLLC, are here to help. When you come to us for assistance following your bicycle accident, we will do everything we can to obtain a successful result in your case. Please contact us as soon as possible to arrange a case evaluation with an experienced Long Island bicycle accident attorney.
