Cars vs Bicycle Accidents
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the statistics on car vs bicycle accidents and provide some tips for avoiding them. We hope that by reading this post, you’ll be better equipped to ride your bike safely and avoid any potential accidents.
Bicycles are becoming an increasingly popular means of transportation, especially in larger cities. Riding a bicycle can be a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way to get around. But it also comes with some risks. One of the most common dangers of bicycling is being involved in a car accident.
Cyclists Have The Right-of-Way
In most situations cyclists have the right-of-way when sharing the road with motorists. Even when the cyclist is ‘at fault’ motorists still have a duty of care to prevent serious injuries and death. Cars and trucks weight thousands of pounds each. Most cyclists weight less than 200 lbs. It’s not a fair fight!
When you are sharing the road with a cyclist be reminded that when passing a cyclists you must give 3 feet of space. It’s the law in the state of South Carolina. Giving enough space when passing ensures that vulnerable road users are safer than when not giving appropriate space.
Distracted Driving is Illegal
Driving a motor vehicle is a serious matter. Both hands should always be on the steering wheel when possible and alway be looking in the direction of travel matters too. Being under the influence of drugs and alchohil has been illegal for decades but not many distracted drivers are being prosecuted.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.
Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
Get in touch with Christmas Injury Lawyers if you’ve been involved in an accident with a car or cyclists.