Inattentive Drives
are a Cyclist's Worst Enemy -
Ride Like You Are Invisible!
 Inattention:
Inattention is a big factor in causing accidents. Other risk
factors include hurrying, cell phones (talking and driving while
dialing), tinted windows, drowsiness, gazing at scenery,
obstructions by cars (i.e. shooting the gap while turning), kids,
heart conditions, medical and physical conditions (i.e. dementia,
Alzheimer’s, visual impairments). All these affect ones
ability to drive safely. Moreover, elderly drivers, (i.e. the baby
boom generation) are growing larger, and their health is
deteriorating putting more aged drivers on the road.
Distractions like reading, eating, putting on makeup, bright sun
and reaching for things, makes a person nine times more at risk for
causing an accident. Any distraction of three seconds or more
increases the risk of an accident.
I also see alcohol use causing poor driving, due to a lack of
ability to maintain divided attention (i.e. the ability to do two
things at once). Further, medicated drivers are risky. People loose
focus when they are not properly medicating.
With the increase in the costs of gas, and a desire to be healthy,
more people are riding their bikes. The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration and the DMV statistics on aging of
driver’s fact sheets show this to be true. People older than
65, are more likely to have perception and motor skill limitations.
Fifty nine percent of the people over 75 ran red lights. Sixty
seven percent of the people over 85 ran red lights, an increase of
10%. Bad left turns are often due to poor judgment. In other words,
turns are made too quick. Further statistics show 80% of people
over 65 will have a California drivers license by the year 2025.
People over 65 will increase by over 250%. By 2020 there will be
six million seniors in California.
Solutions:
When you are riding a bicycle; “role reverse” with the
other cars. Think of yourself like a car….can you (the car)
see the bicyclist? What can you see as a car driver? Is the
car’s “A post” blocking your side vision? Wear
bright clothes to contrast you from scenery. Buy a small blinking
red light for $10.00, called the Lumix, and mount it on your
handlebars. Limit your use of aero bars and slow down near
intersections. Waive your hands at nearby motorists, and make eye
contact to catch driver’s attention. Anticipate a cars quick
turn, while it focuses on objects other than your bike. Again,
bicyclists often blend into the surroundings ... make an effort to
stand out!
Investigating Medical
Conditions:
One other safety issue is a doctor’s duty to report poor
medical conditions. Failure to do so can result in a doctor’s
civil liability.
Last, the DMV has a duty to investigate the lack of mental and/or
physical skill to drive. The DMV often conducts a re-examination
hearing after receiving notice of a potential at risk driver. I
want to emphasize, not all elderly drivers are unsafe. Often a
practice session with a driving instructor will help them. This
includes a vision, written, and an oral test, followed by a driving
test to make sure individuals are properly able to drive.
Conclusion:
Ride like you are invisible, and put yourself in other
motorists’ place. It will help you avoid a crash. However,
should you be involved in an accident, hiring an experienced
bicycle trial attorney will help you successfully prove your
case.
Ride Safe – Ride Strong!
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