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Amber W. Hughes, Martza J. Majstoravich, Edward L. Murrelle

Why do drivers frequently hit cyclists in traffic?

On Behalf of | Oct 5, 2024 | Auto accident injuries

Even the most expensive bicycle costs a fraction of what a motor vehicle typically costs. They also weigh far less and cause far less damage should a cyclist strike a person or private property. Despite those differences, bicycles are technically vehicles just like cars, trucks and SUVs. Cyclists operating their bicycles on public roads have to abide by all traffic laws. They have to follow signs and lights, ride on the right side of the road and communicate with others when they intend to turn or stop.

In theory, cyclists could share the road safely with larger vehicles if everyone followed the rules. Unfortunately, cyclists often end up injured or worse because those in motor vehicles make mistakes and cause crashes. While cyclists are sometimes responsible for collisions with motor vehicles, such wrecks are often the fault of the person inside the larger vehicle.

Why do drivers so frequently cause crashes that could prove devastating for cyclists?

Inattentional blindness

There’s a lot of incoming visual information in traffic. The faster a vehicle travels, the more the brain has to analyze. The brain subconsciously prioritizes information that could prove safety-critical. Drivers almost always notice approaching semi-trucks or school buses because those vehicles are large and threatening. Conversely, they can look right at a cyclist, motorcycle rider or pedestrian and fail to cognitively register their presence. Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as inattentional blindness. If drivers don’t actively look for cyclists in traffic, they might hit them even though the cyclist followed all the rules of the road.

Aggressive driving habits

Many drivers who notice cyclists in traffic resent their presence. They may view cyclists as a source of delay and frustration. Some drivers intentionally get as close as they can to a cyclist without causing a crash. Others may try to intimidate cyclists by sliding into their lane or stopping suddenly in front of them. Some people even open their doors into traffic as a cyclist approaches despite knowing that doing so is incredibly dangerous.

Cyclists injured by inattentive or aggressive drivers may be able to hold them accountable after a bicycle collision. Requesting compensation from an insurance policy or filing a personal injury lawsuit could help an injured cyclist cover the costs generated in a crash where a driver was at fault.