Drivers Must Understand Cyclists Vulnerability

Drivers and cyclists often have a bit of a heated relationship. They are expected to share the same roads, but they often act more like they are competing for that space. It can lead to some dangerous situations when no one wants to act in a civil manner.

One thing that drivers need to understand is that cyclists are very vulnerable in a crash. A bike weighs an average of 20 pounds. A car clocks in at around two tons, or 4,000 pounds.

You can throw out all of the other factors, like speed and safety equipment, and it’s very easy to see why cyclists are always the ones who fare worse in a crash. The weigh and size differences mean they always have a disadvantage. They’re always going to suffer more serious injuries.

One bike advocacy expert said that he had literally never seen an accident where the cyclist had less severe injuries than the driver of the car.

When drivers choose to pass too close to cyclists or cut them off while making a turn, they must understand how and why they are putting those cyclists in danger. They need to know why cyclists, in turn, often feel frustrated and nervous around cars. They understand how fragile life is and how all it takes is one mistake by a driver to put them in the hospital.

Have you gotten hit by a car while riding your bike? If that driver was negligent or reckless and caused the accident, you have to know all of the legal options you have to seek financial compensation.