Bicycle Safety: Most Common Type of Collisions with Cars

Every time you ride your bike in traffic, you are taking your life in your own hands. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it, but that you cannot rely on the law, the rules of the road, or your right-of-way to protect you from getting hit by a car. Here are some of the most common types of bicycle vs. auto collisions, and tips on how to avoid them.

From the Right

One of the most scenarios in which bicyclists involves the car pulling out from a side street, driveway, or parking lot on your right. It can result in you getting hit by the car or crashing into the car as it pulls into your path.

To avoid or minimize the chance of this type of accident:

• Avoid routes with lots of parking lot entrances if possible
• Do not ride on the sidewalk
• Stay to the middle or left in lane, instead of far right in your lane
• Wear a headlight to increase visibility
• Make eye contact with drivers
• Slow down if you see a car approaching the road, even if it is stopped, so you can take evasive maneuvers or stop to avoid a crash

Left Cross

Another very common type of collision occurs when a car turns left into the path of the bicycle, failing to yield right of way.

This type of accident is hard to avoid. Be alert and be as visible as possible.

Open Car Door

Sometimes referred to as the “door prize,” this type of accident is very common and it can be fatal. It happens when a driver or passenger of a parked car opens their door into the path of a bicyclist.

To avoid this type of accident, never pass a parked car on the right and when passing parked cars on the left give them at least three feet of space.

Right Hook and Blind Spots

The “right hook” occurs when a car passes you and then turns right into you or into your path. Similarly, right-hand blind spot accidents occur when you take off from a stop at an intersection, going straight, and a car makes a right turn into you.

The easiest way to avoid both of these types of accidents is to never be on the right side of a car. Stay off the sidewalk and never pass on the right. When stopping at intersections, stay in the middle of your lane. If you must stop to the right-hand side of the lane, do not stop in a car’s blind spot.