How to avoid the five most common bike-car collisions.
Also See:
>> 10 tips for staying safe on South Africa’s roads.
Right Cross
A motorist fails to see a cyclist and makes a right turn in front of an oncoming cyclist–it accounts for almost half of all bike-car crashes, according to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Centre (PBIC).
AVOID IT:
If you see a car turning into your path, turn left into the lane with the vehicle. Plus, don’t creep into the intersection at red lights to get a head start.
Left Hook
A motorist passes a cyclist on the right and turns left into the bike’s path.
AVOID IT:
Passing stopped or slow-moving cars on the right places you in a driver’s blind spot. Take the lane–it’s your right. If you’re in the lane, the driver will slow down and stay behind you and wait to make the turn.
Doored
A cyclist traveling next to parked cars lined up on the street strikes a car door opened by the driver.
AVOID IT:
Always be looking several cars ahead. Ride at least a metre from parked cars, taking the lane if necessary. Be prepared to stop suddenly. Keep your weight over your rear wheel and apply strong force to the front brake lever, with moderate force to the back.
Parking Lotted
A motorist exits a driveway or parking lot into the path of a bicyclist.
AVOID IT:
No bike-handling tricks can overcome the danger of riding on a road with numerous parking-lot exits. Just take a less-direct route. If you don’t change routes, follow the law and ride fully in the road. But stay off the pavement–motorists aren’t looking for you there.
The Overtaking
A motorist hits a cyclist from behind.
AVOID IT:
Make yourself as visible as possible and ride predictably. Use reflectors and lights on your bike at night; when moving to the right, signal with your arm; and hold a straight line while checking traffic over your shoulder, because even the most diligent driver could hit a swerving bike.