Bicyclists regularly navigate North Carolina’s city streets and country roads. With our mild winter temperatures, there are relatively few days out of the year when cycling enthusiasts aren’t able to ride.
Most people would think North Carolina’s climate and varied terrain would make the state a safe place for people to ride. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true.
North Carolina has seen a steady increase in pedestrian and cyclist deaths. In 2022, 22 people lost their lives while riding their bikes. While some accidents are caused by obstacles in the road or a malfunctioning bike, many happen due to actions by motorists. Here are the three most common causes of accidents between cyclists and motorists:
Dooring
One of the most unexpected and potentially dangerous situations for cyclists is dooring. This occurs when a parked vehicle’s door is suddenly opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist. The impact of running into a car door can cause severe injuries. If cyclists try to swerve to miss the door, they run the risk of being struck by oncoming traffic.
Motorists passing without enough space
Often, motorists don’t leave enough space between themselves and the cyclist when passing. This situation typically occurs when another vehicle is coming in the opposite direction. Rather than slow down and wait until the other vehicle has passed before attempting to pass the cyclist, the motorist will leave minimal room for the cyclist. This can be extremely dangerous, as even a small miscalculation can lead to a serious accident.
Blind spots
Motorists may be unaware of cyclists in their blind spots, particularly when making turns or changing lanes. This can lead to collisions if drivers do not check their blind spots thoroughly.
Road safety is a shared responsibility. Most avid bikers understand the importance of having bicycle lights, wearing reflective clothing, using hand signals for stopping and turning and obeying traffic laws. However, no matter how diligent the cyclist is, they can’t always be responsible for motorists’ actions.
If you have been injured while riding your bicycle, you likely have a long road to recovery. Receiving compensation for your injuries and lost wages is crucial so you can focus on your recovery without financial insecurity.
