Keeping Car Drivers and Bike Riders Safe

Many motorists in Salt Lake City, Utah are eagerly awaiting warmer spring temperatures and seeking relief from winter driving conditions. With warmer temperatures on the horizon, drivers should anticipate an increased presence of bicycles on roadways to avoid an auto accident and the need of a lawyer. 

Some of the most common auto and bicycle collisions occur at intersections. Nolo.com says, “The most frequent type of intersection collisions, representing 9.7 percent of all intersection accidents, occur at intersections where the cyclist has a stop sign and the motorist does not.” After a brief stop at the sign, cyclists often choose to enter the intersection despite the fact that on-coming motorist traffic has the right of way. 

“Second in frequency, representing 9.3 percent of all intersection accidents, is when the cyclist has the right-of-way on a street without a stop sign and the car approaches from a street that does have a stop sign,” writes Nolo.com. The motorist enters the intersection despite the oncoming bike traffic, causing an auto accident that may warrant the need of a lawyer. 

Drivers in Salt Lake City can avoid these intersection accidents by making sure that their vehicle is visible in all driving conditions, looking both ways and allowing the necessary three second stop at signs to appropriately gauge the depth of oncoming traffic and allow other drivers or riders adequate time for visibility. 

Bicycling.com notes another common accident in which “a cyclist traveling next to parked cars lined up on the street strikes a car door opened by the driver”. The best way for the bicyclist to prevent this type of auto accident and a call to his or her injury lawyer is to provide at least several feet between his or herself and the parked vehicles while being prepared to stop quickly. 

Other common accidents include issues like a car failing to yield to a bicyclist as they emerge from a parking space or lot and a rear end accident. In Salt Lake City, avoiding each type of auto accident is as simple as remembering to incorporate reflectors onto a bicycle when riding at night, looking both ways before reversing or emerging from a driveway and providing for adequate following distance between a vehicle and cyclist.  

As temperatures heat up in Salt Lake City, drivers and bicyclists are equally responsible for ensuring safety on Utah roads. Remembering these tips will help keep everyone safe and keep you from needing the help of a lawyer. 

Nicole Donaldson is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.