BICYCLE ACCIDENTS: COMMON TYPES OF ACCIDENTS & INJURIES

Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries and even fatalities. It is important to understand the common types of accidents that occur involving bicycles and the injuries that are commonly associated with these accidents. By being aware of these risks, cyclists can take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and protect themselves on the road.

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents

Collisions with Motor Vehicles

• "Rear-end collisions", is when a motor vehicle collides with the back of a cyclist's bicycle. This type of accident is quite common and often happens when a motorist fails to notice the cyclist in the lane ahead of them. Rear-end collisions can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe, depending on the force of the impact. It is important for both motorists and cyclists to be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution to prevent such accidents.

• “Dooring”, is when a motorist opens their door into the path of the cyclist, which causes the rider to either fall head on or crash into the door- this can cause minor to severe injuries, ranging from neck pain to head trauma.

• “Right Hook” and “Left Cross”, occurs when a driver turns onto the path of an oncoming cyclist, which often occurs at intersections where motorists fail to see approaching cyclists, and intersections where motorists do not yield to oncoming traffic.

Single-Bicycle Accidents

Loss of control accidents

• These accidents occur when the cyclist loses control of their bicycle, often due to wet or slippery roads, debris in the road, or the cyclist riding too quickly. Loss of control accidents can cause minor to severe injuries, depending on how quickly they are moving and the intensity of the fall.

Speed-related accidents

• Speed-related accidents occur when a cyclist is riding too quickly and is unable to maintain control of their bicycle. This type of accident can result in minor to severe injuries, depending on the speed of the cyclist and the intensity of the fall.

Pothole or road defect accidents

• Pothole or road defect accidents occur when a cyclist encounters a pothole, crack, or other road defect that causes them to lose control and fall off the bicycle. These accidents can cause minor to severe injuries, depending on the severity of the road defect and the speed the cyclist was traveling.

Bicycle-Pedestrian Collisions

Accidents involving pedestrians crossing the road

• Bicycle-pedestrian collisions are a common type of bicycle accident. These types of accidents can occur when a cyclist fails to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or when a pedestrian is not paying attention and runs out in front of a cyclist. Cyclists should always be on the lookout for pedestrians crossing the road and should be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.

Common Injuries Associated with Bicycle Accidents

• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries

• Fractures and broken bones

• Spinal cord injuries

• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains

• Road Rash, including cuts, bruises, and abrasions

Preventing Bicycle Accidents

• Wear a properly fitted helmet

• Obey traffic laws and signals

• Use hand signals to indicate turns

• Stay visible by wearing bright clothing and using lights at night

• Avoid distractions, such as using a phone while riding

• Be cautious of blind spots and always assume that drivers cannot see you

• Maintain your bicycle in good condition, including regular maintenance and inspections

Conclusion

Being aware of the common types of bicycle accidents and the injuries associated with them is crucial for both cyclists and motorists. By taking necessary precautions and following safety guidelines, we can work towards reducing the number of bicycle accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.