Riding your bicycle is a great way to get outside, exercise and help the environment. While you may enjoy riding your bike, you may get into an accident with a motor vehicle. When a car hits you on your bike, you are more likely to suffer injuries than the driver.
This type of collision can be deadly. Car and bicycle accidents account for over 2 percent of traffic deaths. In order to be a safe cyclist, you should know about the most common types of cycling crashes. Here is how you are most likely to sustain an injury while riding your bike.
1. Left-hand turns
A car turning left may result in a traumatic bicycle accident. When you are approaching an intersection from the opposite direction of a vehicle and are going straight, the driver may turn left without noticing you. Even if the motorist sees you, he or she may misjudge your speed.
2. Right-hand turns
Sometimes a vehicle may strike you when you are turning in the same direction. When you approach an intersection to the right of a vehicle, the driver may cut you off. The impact of this may be devastating. Drivers should always be on the lookout for bicycles when they are turning right. If a vehicle hits you in this type of situation, you may be able to sue him or her for negligent driving.
3. Stop signs
There are certain intersections that only have two stop signs. When the car has a stop sign and you do not, you may get hit when you have the right-of-way. This occurs when drivers do not properly look both ways before crossing the intersection. Some drivers even disregard stop signs altogether.
You can avoid these accidents by staying alert, maximizing your visibility and riding defensively. However, no matter how safe you are, negligent motorists may still crash into you.
