Quantcast
Channel: California Bicycle Lawyer Blog » Road Rage
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 2

Avoiding Bike Injury in This Age of Road Rage

0
0
California Bicycle Accident Attorney

By Jeffrey Nadrich

Jeff Nadrich is a bike injury lawyer with Nadrich & Cohen, LLP, a personal injury law firm with 18 offices across California. He has been defending bike injury and fatality victims for more than 25 years.

 

I was recently reading a fascinating editorial in the Press Telegram about how summer may be the “season of road rage” in Southern California, and cyclists may be both the cause and the victims. Let me elaborate. As I have frequently documented on this blog, California cities have gone to tremendous lengths to promote bicycling in recent months, from controversial new bike lanes in San Diego to comprehensive ride-share programs in Anaheim and Los Angeles, all in an effort to encourage cycling and reduce bike injury. That's great news for bicyclists, but it can create some real frustration for already-testy auto commuters.

The Contention Between Cyclists and Motorists

At some point, you have undoubtedly witnessed a tense shouting match between a motorist and cyclist along a busy road. Maybe you have even been on the receiving end of a driver's wrath at some point. The unfortunate reality is that many motorists have a sense of entitlement when it comes to the roads. The law says that cyclists have just as much of a right to commute on the streets as any driver, but many motorists still pound those pedals with an attitude that says, “I'm driving a fast-moving, multi-ton machine, and you're in my way.”

Avoiding Bike Injury...Or Worse

So how do you avoid the wrath of an impatient and altogether cranky motorist? Consider the following tips:

  • Know your rights. No matter how much screaming and honking you must endure, never forget that the law is on your side.
  • Use bike lanes and bike routes wherever possible. By favoring bike-accessible routes, you can greatly reduce your chance of bike injury.
  • Keep your cool. When an impatient driver starts acting like a complete bonehead, it's very easy to fly off the handle. But this will only elevate the tension and put you at even greater risk. Just keep calm, and remove yourself from the situation. It's not worth it.
  • Wear a helmet at all times, and make sure to have reflectors on your bike. Reflective clothing can also be very effective for improving your visibility.
  • Honor the laws. Just as you have the same rights as motorists, you also have the same responsibilities. Know your hand signals and obey the rules of the road.

Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 2

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images