What Makes the Average Bicyclist Vulnerable to Accidents?
Every year, thousands of people get hurt while riding bikes in Phoenix, and some of those accidents end in very serious injuries or even death.
The first thing you need to understand about biking accidents is the basic fact that a bicycle is just not as protected as a car. When you’re riding a bike in Phoenix or anywhere else, you’re exposed. There’s nothing between you and the road. No steel frame around you, no airbags, no seatbelt.
This alone makes you very likely to suffer severe consequences if you do become an accident victim in Phoenix. Thankfully, you can always get a bike accident attorney in Phoenix, AZ, to help you get maximum compensation from the at-fault party to mitigate the effects of a bike accident.
Reasons Bicyclists Get Involved in Accidents Frequently
Here are some of the top reasons why the average bicyclist is more likely to get in an accident:
The Car Driver’s Lack of Awareness
Unfortunately, a lot of drivers just don’t pay enough attention to cyclists. This happens for a number of reasons. Sometimes, drivers are distracted; they might be on their phones, fiddling with the radio, or simply not looking where they’re going.
When a driver is distracted, they might not notice a cyclist sharing the road with them, which puts the cyclist at a huge disadvantage.
Poor Road Conditions and Infrastructure
Another reason cyclists are so vulnerable to accidents is the state of the roads and the lack of infrastructure in many places. Most roads are built with cars in mind, not bicycles.
While we’re all familiar with potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces, these things are even worse for cyclists. A small crack or bump in the road that a car can easily roll over might be a serious hazard for someone on a bike. Hitting a pothole at the wrong angle can send a rider flying off the bike, or worse, cause them to lose control.
No Bike Lanes
In addition to poor road conditions, there’s also the issue of bike lanes. Many cities don’t have enough bike lanes, and when they do exist, they’re not always in the best spots.
Sometimes bike lanes are too close to traffic, which leaves cyclists with little room to maneuver safely. Other times, bike lanes are blocked by parked cars, debris, or other obstacles. When there’s no clear and safe space for cyclists to ride, it increases the risk of accidents significantly.
Speed and Reaction Time
Bikes are fast, but they can’t match the speed of cars. Drivers tend to underestimate how fast cyclists are going, especially on downhill slopes or when they’re in a rush.
When cars or trucks don’t give enough space to cyclists or try to pass them too closely, it can lead to accidents. Cyclists, for their part, don’t have the luxury of quickly speeding up or getting out of the way like a car can.
Riding in Traffic
Another reason cyclists are so vulnerable is the difficulty of riding in traffic. At intersections, there’s always a chance that a driver won’t stop for a red light or won’t check for bikes before making a turn. This can lead to serious collisions.
When you’re biking in heavy traffic, it’s hard to predict what other drivers will do. A distracted or impatient driver might make a quick decision to switch lanes or turn without checking for cyclists, causing a dangerous accident.
Not every cyclist feels comfortable riding in traffic, but unfortunately, in many places, it’s the only option.
