Every road cyclist knows how quickly things can change on the road. You're constantly relying on your bike-handling skills to avoid dangerous situations, especially when sharing the road with motor vehicles. At 30 mph, a cyclist is moving at about 44 feet per second—things happen fast, and one moment of inattention can lead to a serious accident.
Here are some of the most common road cycling accidents and practical tips to help you avoid them.
**The Right Hook**
This is one of the most frequent types of bicycle-car collisions. A driver passes a cyclist on the left and then turns right across the cyclist’s path. This often happens because drivers assume cyclists are slow, but many road riders ride at speeds close to traffic flow.
**How to Avoid It:**
Avoid passing slower cars on the right, as this puts you in the driver's blind spot. Ride in the center of the lane—this is your legal right in all 50 states. By taking the full lane, you force the driver to wait for their turn and reduces the chance of a right hook.
**The Left Cross**
This occurs when a driver fails to see an oncoming cyclist while turning left, leading to a head-on collision. Due to the high closing speed, this type of accident can be extremely dangerous.
**How to Avoid It:**
If you spot a car turning into your path from the left and can't stop, make a quick right turn so you're now moving in the same direction as the vehicle. Once it's safe, pull over to the side and rejoin your original route.
**Dooring**
This happens when a driver opens their car door without checking for cyclists, causing a collision. It’s a common and preventable accident.
**How to Avoid It:**
Stay at least three feet away from parked cars. If you're riding close to them, stay alert and watch ahead for drivers who might open their doors. If riding just to the left of parked cars puts you in the traffic lane, do so—it’s your right in all 50 states. Donoring is more common than being hit from behind, so staying in the lane is safer than riding on the sidewalk, where drivers aren’t expecting cyclists.
**Driveway Accidents**
As drivers enter or exit a driveway, they may not notice a cyclist, leading to a collision. These accidents are common in areas with lots of parking lots or driveways.
**How to Avoid It:**
Choose routes that minimize exposure to driveways whenever possible. If you must ride near them, stay in the traffic lane and follow the flow of traffic. Never ride on the sidewalk, as drivers aren’t expecting cyclists there.
**Getting Rear-Ended**
A motorist hits a cyclist from behind. This is one of the scariest accidents because it often comes out of nowhere, giving the cyclist little time to react.
**How to Avoid It:**
Always use a bright, flashing red LED taillight and front light, especially at night. Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility. Use hand signals when changing lanes or turning, and always check over your shoulder before making any moves. Make sure your presence is clear to other road users.
While we hope you never experience a collision, it's important to know what to do if it happens. Stay calm, move to a safe location, and seek medical attention if needed. Report the incident to the police and consider contacting a lawyer or insurance provider to protect your rights.
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Wuxi Feiyiya Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.feiyya.com