Hawaii is a beautiful place to see by bicycle. Under Hawaii law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other motorists on the road. However, they are also one of the most vulnerable road users. When bicycle accidents occur, riders are more likely than car occupants to sustain serious or fatal injuries.
According to the Hawaii State Department of Health, more than 94 percent of bicycle accident fatalities in Hawaii within a five-year period involved cars colliding with bicycles. Many bicycle accidents are caused by drivers who are inattentive or simply do not look out for non-vehicles on the road.
Continue reading to learn more about the common causes of bike crashes in Hawaii. If you’ve been hurt, call or contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney at Recovery Law Center today for a free consultation.
1. Failure to Respect Cyclist’s Right of Way
Drivers are expected to share the road with bicycle riders by adhering to traffic laws, which include yielding the right-of-way in the appropriate traffic conditions. Many bicycle accidents happen because drivers fail to yield or do not recognize cyclists in time to avoid a bike crash. A bicycle accident attorney can explain the most common causes of bicycle accidents, such as drivers’ lack of awareness.
According to the Hawaii traffic code, bicycles are legally classified as vehicles. However, there are unique rules that apply specifically to bicycles, such as those related to designated bicycle lanes. Drivers are expected to yield the right-of-way to cyclists anytime they intend to turn across bike lanes. Failing to slow down and scan their surroundings when crossing bike paths can cause severe bicycle crashes that leave cyclists with traumatic brain injuries or even result in fatal bike crashes.
A bicyclist’s right-of-way is also critical at stop signs, traffic lights, merge lanes, and other intersections where motor vehicles and bicycles may meet. When drivers proceed without acknowledging nearby cyclists, they can cause serious injuries or fatal bicycle accidents. Such incidents are common causes of vehicle collisions that lead to extensive damage and injured cyclists.
2. Driving Too Close to a Bicycle in Traffic
By the nature of the sport, cyclists lack the same physical protection as other road users, leaving them vulnerable to serious injuries in vehicle collisions. Hawaii law recommends a minimum safe passing distance of at least three feet when drivers overtake cyclists on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware of this guideline, which significantly increases the risk of bicycle accidents.
A recent report from the Hawaii State Department of Transportation (HDOT) revealed that only 61 percent of respondents in a statewide survey knew about the three-foot passing rule. Drivers who travel too close to cyclists risk causing cycling accidents, even with momentary lapses in judgment. For cyclists crowded by larger motor vehicles, fewer escape routes are available to steer clear of a car crash.
3. Speeding
Drivers who exceed speed limits create dangerous conditions for everyone on the road, but bicycle accidents that involve speeding drivers are particularly severe. High-speed bicycle crashes tend to have catastrophic consequences for cyclists, such as spinal cord injuries or internal injuries.
Some speed-related cycling accidents occur when impatient drivers develop road rage around comparatively slow-moving cyclists. In others, speeding drivers collide with cyclists because they’re simply moving too quickly to stop in time. Fatal bicycle accidents frequently involve speeding drivers and often result in bicyclist deaths.
4. Distracted Driving
Due to their small size, bicycles are already more difficult for drivers to see. When vehicle drivers are distracted by text messages, phone calls, or other activities, they are far more likely to overlook cyclists, causing devastating bicycle crashes. Distractions can take many forms, but all of them increase the risk of bicycle accidents.
It’s important to note that cyclists can also be distracted. Common distractions for cyclists include:
- Behavior of other road users
- Environmental factors
- Traffic conditions
When drivers and cyclists alike are distracted, the likelihood of a cycling accident increases significantly.
5. Carelessness on Sidewalks, Parking Lots, and Driveways
Bicycle riders’ and drivers’ paths commonly intersect in areas like sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways, which are notorious hotspots for cycling accidents. Drivers need to exercise extra caution in these spaces and follow safety precautions to prevent crashes.
Cyclists are often hit by drivers who exit shopping centers or driveways without recognizing oncoming cyclists. In these cases, bicycling accidents occur because drivers are focused on motor vehicle traffic and fail to consider oncoming cyclists. Parking lots present similar risks, as the confined space makes it harder for drivers to notice and avoid bike accidents.
Residential driveways are also common sites for bicycle accidents. Drivers backing out of concealed areas may fail to see crossing cyclists, resulting in bike crashes that can leave victims with head injuries or severe trauma.
Another frequent issue is “dooring,” where drivers open their car doors to oncoming cyclists, causing a collision. Such bike accidents can lead to cyclists flipping over, being forced into traffic, or suffering road rash and severe injuries.
How to Reduce a Motorist’s Risk of Causing a Bicycle Accident
Motorists can reduce their risk of causing bicycle crashes and do their part to keep cyclists safe by:
- Yielding to bicyclists the same way they yield to other motorists
- Paying attention to cyclists’ speed when timing traffic maneuvers
- Taking special care near intersections, sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways
- Checking in all directions for cyclists and vehicles when turning right on red
- Observing posted speed limits and reducing speed appropriately when hazardous driving conditions are present
- Taking special care near cyclists who seem young, inexperienced, or disoriented
- Allowing at least three feet of space when passing cyclists in traffic
- Passing cyclists slowly and smoothly without speeding up to tailgate cyclists or dart around them abruptly
- Driving predictably
- Being careful about opening doors into the paths of approaching cyclists while parked
- Maintaining their vehicles regularly to ensure critical components such as brakes, steering systems, and horns are operational
How to Reduce a Cyclist’s Risk of Being Hit by a Car
Cyclists can decrease their risk of being involved in collisions with motor vehicles by:
- Selecting bicycles of an appropriate size, as oversized or undersized bikes are more difficult to control
- Inspecting bicycle tires, brakes, safety lights, and other parts routinely
- Wearing bright clothing and reflective safety gear to increase visibility
- Choosing appropriately sized helmets and adjusting safety straps to ensure a proper fit while riding
- Planning routes that involve less interaction with drivers and slower traffic speeds
- Riding with the flow of traffic and obeying relevant traffic signs and road markings
- Assuming that car drivers generally do not notice cyclists and act accordingly
- Paying attention to road hazards, such as potholes, sewer grates, and train tracks
- Avoiding the use of earbuds, cell phones, or other distracting devices while riding
- Yielding to motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists as appropriate
Need tips for safe bicycling tips in Honolulu? Check out this guide from AAA Hawaii.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Honolulu Today
At Recovery Law Center, we have more than 25 years of experience serving Honolulu personal injury victims in cases large and small. We understand how intimidating it may feel to hire an attorney after an accident, so we’re committed to making the process as simple as possible.
When you contact us, we’ll answer all of your questions thoroughly in a free consultation. Expect to be treated like family from the moment you start working with us. Our bicycle accident lawyers practice with the philosophy that every client deserves a compassionate advocate who works aggressively for maximum compensation. You’ll never feel like “just another case” to us. Rest assured that protecting your physical, emotional, and financial health will be our primary concern.
By scheduling a free consultation today, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Contact us today to discuss the details of your Honolulu bicycle accident claim.
