Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and more people outdoors–but it also leads to a spike in summer bicycle accidents. Whether it’s kids riding during school break, commuters avoiding traffic, or recreational cyclists enjoying the weather, the increased number of riders on the road means greater risk. At ER Injury Attorneys, our Las Vegas bicycle accident lawyers often see a rise in bicycle-related injury cases during the summer months. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and avoid summer bicycle accidents.
Common Types of Summer Bicycle Accidents
1. Collisions with Motor Vehicles
These are among the most dangerous types of bicycle accidents, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Some frequent scenarios include:
- Dooring Accidents: A parked driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, causing a sudden crash.
- Intersection Collisions: Motorists turning at intersections may fail to yield or misjudge a cyclist’s speed.
- Right Hook Accidents: A driver overtakes a cyclist and then turns right, cutting them off.
- Overtaking Collisions: Vehicles pass cyclists too closely, sometimes brushing them or forcing them off the road.
- Rear-End Collisions: A vehicle strikes a cyclist from behind, often due to reduced visibility at dusk or night.
2. Solo Bicycle Crashes
Not all accidents involve cars. Many cyclists are injured in falls or crashes caused by environmental or mechanical issues, such as:
- Road Hazards: Potholes, loose gravel, sand, broken glass, or debris can cause cyclists to lose control.
- Mechanical Failures: Blown tires, broken chains, or faulty brakes can lead to sudden accidents.
- Loss of Control: Common causes include hitting an obstacle, over-braking, or getting clothing caught in the bike’s chain.
- Distraction and Inattention: Texting, taking calls, or simply being distracted can lead to crashes.
- Rider Error: Sudden stops, sharp turns, or failing to clip out of pedals can result in falls.
Why Bike Crashes Are More Common in Summer
Several seasonal factors contribute to the rise in summer bicycle accidents:
- More Cyclists on the Road: Families, children on break, and recreational riders increase the total number of cyclists.
- Heavier Traffic: Summer travel, events, and vacations mean more cars on the road.
- Distracted or Impaired Drivers: Summer parties and gatherings may lead to more instances of drunk or distracted driving.
- Road Construction: Detours, uneven pavement, and reduced bike lane access create hazardous conditions.
- Heat-Related Fatigue: High temperatures can cause dehydration, heatstroke, and impaired reaction time.
- Low Visibility at Dusk: Summer evening rides can be risky as the setting sun or darkness affects visibility.
How to Avoid Summer Bike Wrecks
Being proactive and prepared is your best defense against accidents. Follow these safety tips to reduce your risk:
- Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted helmet is your best protection against head injuries.
- Stay Visible: Wear bright, reflective clothing, and use front and rear lights–even during the day. Visibility is key at dawn, dusk, and night.
- Obey Traffic Laws: Stop at red lights and stop signs, use hand signals, and follow all road rules. Cyclists must behave like vehicles in traffic.
- Ride Predictably: Don’t swerve between parked cars or make sudden movements. Hold your line and clearly communicate your intentions.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Watch for opening car doors, turning vehicles, road hazards, and pedestrians.
- Inspect Your Bike Before Every Ride: Check tire pressure, brakes, chains, and gears to ensure everything is in working order.
- Hydrate and Take Breaks: Carry water and take regular hydration breaks, especially on long rides in the heat.
- Choose Safer Routes: Use designated bike paths, bike lanes, or quiet residential streets whenever possible.
Get in Touch with a Las Vegas Summer Bicycle Accidents Lawyer
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys are here with the information you need on avoiding cycling wrecks. We’re also here for you if you or someone you love has suffered such an injury through no fault of your own. Our dedicated team of Nevada injury attorneys is ready to help with the claim process and get you the compensation you need.
ER Injury Attorneys is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach us right now by dialing 702-878-7878 or online through LiveChat. You can also fill out this contact form.
ER Injury Attorneys represents accident victims throughout Southern Nevada, including Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and beyond. Get in touch with us today to get the legal advocacy you need.