The common accidents between cyclists and drivers and how to prevent them

Posted by Coco on September 11th, 2018

Although for most cyclists, especially those who ride on the road, pedaling is a lottery with uncertain results, the truth is that except in exceptional cases (see drunk, drugged or psychopathic drivers) the vast majority of accidents between cyclists and drivers. They happen for five quite concrete causes. Statistics of accidents with involved cyclists do not deceive, and serve to know which situations are more risk of suffering an accident when rolling on a bicycle and, therefore, learn to avoid them.

What are the five most common accidents between drivers and cyclists? Is there any way to prevent them? As such, sometimes happen without any of the parties involved in doing anything to remedy it. But knowing the causes that cause them. It is much easier to avoid compromising situations that can become an accomplished fact:

1. When a car turns at a junction: the driver turns at an intersection and does not see the approaching cyclist, standing in the path of the bicycle. The best way to prevent the accident is to brake and let the driver pass, or turn right following the same direction as the approaching car. In case there are traffic lights, you should never try to leave first to save time, as a car always has more advantage and the risk of accident multiplies.

2. When a car turns in the same direction: the driver turns to the right, driving in the same direction as the bicycle, cutting of the cyclist. In case of imminent collision, it is best to brake and let the driver pass. In any other case, make sure not to remain in the blind spot of the rear-view mirror of the vehicle on the left, equip yourself with safety vest, use daytime running lights and even if a dangerous situation is anticipated, take full advantage of the lane to avoid a possible accident.

3. When a cyclist drives near parked cars: a cyclist drives in line with a line of parked vehicles and suddenly finds an open door in his path, you have to move at least one meter apart from parked vehicles and be prepared to brake decisively at any time, with your fingers resting on the brake lever and sight Always put several cars ahead.

4. When a car leaves a parking garage, workshop or any other place: a car leaves a parking lot, workshop or public establishment to join the road and gets in the path of the cyclist. When driving through urban centers, with numerous vehicle entrances and exits on both sides of the road, special attention must be paid to the gaps between parked cars, as they usually indicate that there is an access passage for cars, such as garages, workshops and other similar establishments. The most advisable thing is to avoid driving on the sidewalk or on the side closest to the vehicles, and occupy the lane completely from its center in case of doubt.

5. When a car hits a cyclist from behind: a car that runs in the same direction as a cyclist hits the bicycle from behind. Sometimes, it is unpredictable to anticipate the movements or trajectory of a car or a bicycle. The best thing that a cyclist can do is wear reflective clothing with reflective motifs which made of reflective heat transfer vinyl and use daytime lights on the bicycle, in addition to maintaining a predictable and straight line march and signaling any maneuver that will be performed. As a last option in case the cyclist's safety could be compromised for any reason, occupy the lane in the center.