Common Reasons For Bicycle Accidents In Florida
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
There are many ways to travel around cities like Port Charlotte, and one of the emerging favorites is riding a bicycle because it is both fast and healthy. While many find bicycles to be convenient, it is just as vulnerable as pedestrians and other vehicles on the street when it comes to road accidents. Many auto accidents in Florida involve cyclists. Instead of throwing caution in the air, get familiar with the common causes of these accidents so you know what to do if you ever encounter one.
5 Common Reasons Behind Road Biking Accidents
• Cyclists Have Low Visibility - Compared to other vehicles and even motorcycles, bicycles have a small and thinner structure. They also do not make a lot of noise because of the absence of engines, and their horns are not as loud as car horns. This makes them difficult to spot especially when driving on narrow roads or extremely busy highways where cyclists tend to mix in with the traffic.
• Distracted Driving - Drivers tend to pay less attention and drop their guard down when riding in suburban streets because there aren’t many other vehicles to watch out for. When drivers take this time to focus on other stuff like rummaging for items in the car or sending a text message, they can fail to spot a cyclist about to cross the street or make a turn where they’re at, causing the two to collide into each other.
• Open Car Doors - Just like motorcycles, bicycle riders also often fall victim to car doors suddenly opening. This can both be pointed to both party’s poor visibility. Bicycles are small, narrow, and quieter so it’s hard to anticipate them coming. At the same time, it is difficult to notice and see if parked cars are void of passengers and if the driver is about to hop off.
• Perilous Weather- Cyclists are very vulnerable to harsh weather like thunderstorms, heavy snow, and even intense summer heat. The weather can affect not only the bike but also the one maneuvring it. For instance, extreme heat can cause dizziness while the cold can slow down a cyclist’s motor skills and reaction time.
• Hazardous Roads - Not all bicycles have special wheels that can endure road hazards like uneven pavements and potholes. Riding over these road hazards can cause the cyclist to lose control of the bike and fall. These can also inflict damage on the wheels as they are not as sturdy as a standard vehicle’s wheel.
• Not Yielding The Right Of Way - People riding bikes can be considered pedestrians in Florida, and cars have to yield the right of way to them when they stumble across each other on the road. Failure to yield the right of way can lead to nasty collisions and even fights between the driver and the rider.
Auto accidents involving cyclists are more common and dangerous than you might think. There are also many injuries and damages you can get from these accidents like broken bones and a head concussion. If you need any help with compensation after a biking accident, contact a personal injury lawyer for your free attorney consultation.