Accidents involving bicyclists and cars can be caused by the bicyclist, the vehicle driver, or both. The bicyclist is more subject to injury or fatality because their only protection is a helmet and motor vehicles are more powerful in size. There are laws that apply to bicyclists and how vehicles should be operate around them.
Bicyclist Liability
Everyone who rides a bike should follow the rules of the road. Wearing brightly colored clothing, keeping to the right side of the road, and being careful at intersections are also important. However, riders may exhibit unsafe riding habits that are dangerous for themselves and others. A sudden turn into traffic, cutting off a car, going the wrong way on a one-way street, or riding on the wrong side of the road can cause accidents. Large groups of bicyclists need to be especially cognizant of vehicles around them, as well as other riders in their group.
Driver Liability
Motor vehicle drivers should be extra careful during warm weather as this is when bicyclists ride the most. Certain states have a clearance law where vehicles must allow a bicycle three to four feet of distance. Reckless driving that causes a collision, such as running a stop sign or speeding, could be the driver’s fault. If a driver sees a lone bicyclist or a group, the driver should pass only when safe and leave enough room between themselves and the riders. Beeping a horn can be dangerous, since a loud noise can surprise a bicyclist, and cause them to crash.
Sharing the Road Safely
The following is a list of safety tips that help in avoiding car and bicycle accidents.
- Intersections and turns are hotspots for accidents. All parties should slow down upon approaching, pay attention to traffic lights, and check both ways before resuming the journey.
- Passing can be risky if not done carefully. A vehicle should allow three to four feet of room when passing, and a bicyclist should have rear reflectors on their bike and always signal if they need to pass.
- A car door opening on a street can hit a bicyclist if the car’s driver does not see them, or if the bicyclist cannot stop quickly enough. The driver should look before opening their door, and bicyclists should maintain safe speeds around parked vehicles.
- Driveways can also pose a threat if a bicyclist does not stop at the end of a driveway to make sure the path is clear.
Allegheny County Car Accident Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Advocate for Victims Involved in Car and Bike Accidents
Vehicles and bicyclists need to share the road and respect each other’s space. Otherwise, the likelihood of an accident greatly increases. If you were involved in a car and bike accident, you need the help of the Allegheny County car accident lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Contact us today by calling 412-765-1888 or contact us online. We are centrally located in Pittsburgh, and we proudly serve clients throughout western Pennsylvania.