DRIVER NEGLIGENCE CAN RESULT IN BIKE & PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Bicycles and motorcycles are fun and economical means of transportation. However, they offer very little protection from inclement weather and other Pennsylvania motorists.
WHAT IS DRIVER NEGLIGENCE?
When a person is negligent, they have behaved thoughtlessly or carelessly, which caused harm or injury to a person. Someone can be negligent if they do something they shouldn’t have or fail to do something they should have done.
The four most common forms of driver negligence are:
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Disobeying traffic laws
- Driving under the influence
COMMON CAUSES OF BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Bicycle accidents
Studies consistently show motor vehicle operators cause the majority of bicycle accidents. Here are the most frequent causes:
- A vehicle driver turns right into the path of an oncoming bicycle. The driver could forget or neglect to use their turn signal. In most jurisdictions, a car turning right must yield to a cyclist.
- A vehicle driver turns left into the path of an oncoming cyclist. Drivers have a tendency to look for vehicles and miss bicycles. Unfortunately, cyclists have to drive defensively. However, the cyclist coming through the intersection has the right of way over a motorist turning left, unless there’s a green left-turn signal.
- A driver rear-ends a cyclist. A rear end is most common cause of drunk-driving accidents involving bicycles.
- A driver sideswipes or opens a door in front of a bicyclist.
Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers make mistakes that contribute to accidents. Still, when a crash happens involving a pedestrian or cyclist and a car, SUV, pickup truck, or bus, it is the pedestrian or cyclist who is likely to be injured or killed.
Bicyclists are considered drivers of vehicles and therefore have the same rights to the road as motorists.
WHAT MOTORIST CAN DO TO PREVENT PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
When you encounter a pedestrian or bicycle, take a moment to observe the roadway. Once you have determined it is safe and necessary to pass, give the pedestrian and cyclist plenty of space.
A pedestrian or cyclist in the road represents a momentary delay. Waiting a few seconds to pass a pedestrian or cyclist safely will not drastically affect your total trip time. Injuring a pedestrian or bicyclist because you are impatient and frustrated will cost you a lot more than a few seconds.
If you have been injured in a car or truck accident, contact us today for a no obligation consultation regarding your situation.
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