Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents  

• Dan T. Matrafajlo
• Tue Dec 2022
• Bicycle Accident,
• 0

Bicycles remain a favored form of exercise for most Americans, as well as an up and coming increased of mode of transportation. However, this popular two-wheeled cycle also comes with dangers. Approximately 1,000 bicyclists die and more than 130,000 are injured in motor vehicle crashes that occur on roads in the United States every year.

Although not all bicycle accidents can be prevented, you can take several measures to reduce the likelihood of an accident or at least lessen the severity of one. It is also helpful to  understand the common causes of bicycle accidents in order to ride more safely.

Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes Involving Vehicles

Bicycle accidents on public roads can result from a variety of different factors, many of which are driver-related. Some of the most common causes include:

• Unsafe lane changes
• Turning without looking for bicyclists on the road
• Driving too close to bike lanes and shoulders
• Distracted driving – especially due to the use of cell phones
• Driving  under the influence of alcohol
• Reckless driving

Bicycle Injuries and Deaths are Preventable

Effective steps that you can take to reduce injuries and fatalities while riding a bicycle include:

• Wearing a bicycle helmet.  Bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in the event of a crash. All bicyclists, regardless of age, can help protect themselves by wearing properly fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride.
• Abiding by rules of the road. Bicyclists, just like other motorists on the road, are required to abide by all rules of the road. Doing so plays a significant role in reducing accidents.
• Wear bright colored clothing. Wearing fluorescent clothing can make you more visible from further away than regular clothing, especially during the daytime.
• Use of retro-reflective materials. Retro-reflective clothing and materials on the bicycle can make bicyclists more visible at night. 
• Use of active lighting. Active lighting may improve the visibility of bicyclists and is required by law in most states when bicycles are ridden after dark.  Active lighting includes front white lights, rear red lights, or other lighting on the bicycle or bicyclist.

Call a New Jersey Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you or someone you know has been injured or wrongfully killed in a bicycle accident caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another party, an experienced attorney can help. Call Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC at 908-248-4404 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today.