According to the NHSTA, in many of the cases, the bicyclist is not the person at fault. In 2011, the NHTSA reported that of 677 deaths and 48,000 in bicycle-related accidents in most cases, the motor vehicle operators were to blame.
Bicycle accidents happen due to the following reasons most commonly:
- Negligence of the drivers on the road.
- Drivers driving under the influence.
- Drivers not stopping at stop signs.
In many instances, drivers park and open their doors into a rider lawfully using the road or bike lane. Usually, this is because they do so without looking in their rearview mirrors. Another not-uncommon incident is the infamous “Florida Stop.” This takes place when a car slows but does not stop at a stop sign.
Other cases include drivers making sharp turns into the path of an oncoming bike obscured by the sun. Some drivers brush or sideswipe riders off the road. In some instances, these cars run into another vehicle or person on foot.