As New York becomes more bike friendly, there is an increase in the number of bicycle related accidents. It may be impossible to prevent every bicycle related accident. However, if both bicyclists and motorists are aware of the primary causes of such accidents, they can be more cautious while bicycling and driving on the busy streets of New York.
Major causes of Bicycle Accidents
Four common causes of bicycle related accidents include:
- Distracted driving. Approximately 50 percent of bicycle related accidents involve negligent motorists who are distracted behind the wheel. Common causes of distraction include texting, talking on the phone, eating, and changing the radio station.
- Drunk driving. Driving while intoxicated may cause devastating accidents, both with other vehicles and bicyclists.
- Failure to spot a bicyclist. Bicycles are significantly smaller than most vehicles on the road. As such, other drivers may easily overlook them.
- Road debris. A pothole or debris can also cause serious bicycle accidents. Bicycles are less stable than other vehicles on the road. A small pothole that a car may easily drive over may be the cause of a serious bicycle related accident.
By looking more closely at the common causes of bicycle related accidents, we can get an understanding of the safety measures we need to take to help prevent such accidents in the future. If you were seriously injured in a bicycle accident, you should consult an experienced bicycle accident attorney to protect your legal rights.
Contact Us
Attorney Kenneth A. Wilhelm is a New York bicycle accident attorney with over 42 years of experience. For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation, call the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm at 1-800-967-5496, 24 hours a day seven days a week, or visit us at www.work4youlaw.com.