|
INATTENTIVE DRIVERS 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!
|
