People have a lot of misconceptions when it comes to cyclists in Iowa. It's not rare to see motorists and cyclists fighting over their rights on the road, which often leads to accidents and fatal injuries.
This problem stems from a lack of understanding about traffic laws, among other elements. When a bicycle crashes into a vehicle, it's normal to see plenty of discussions regarding liability and compensation.
Bicycle accident claims tend to be complicated when there's no legal help involved. This article aims to educate readers on the most common bicycle accident myths in Iowa to ensure everyone feels much safer when they're involved in these circumstances. Our team can also provide insight on common motorcycle accident myths in Iowa.
Myth One - Roads Are for Cars Only
One of the main misconceptions about cyclists is that roads are designed exclusively for cars. It may not seem like it, but many car drivers think cyclists can't be on these roads.
In Iowa (and many other states), cyclists can be on the road. Of course, they must follow the same traffic rules as motor vehicle drivers.
There may be some exceptions to the rule, such as highways with posted speed limits or expressways. In these areas, cycling tends to be prohibited for safety reasons.
Some of the rules cyclists have to follow include:
Never ride against traffic.
Ride in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle, avoiding hazards, or preparing for a left turn.
Always wear a helmet.
Make eye contact with motorists, and never assume that these people can see the cyclist.
Use headlights, taillights, and reflectors at night.
Follow traffic laws and signals.
Myth Two - Cyclists Should Always Stay in Designated Bike Lanes
Following up on the previous myth, another common one states that cyclists can't get out of the bike lane.
Protected bike lanes are designed to keep cyclists safe, so it makes sense that they should stay there. Unfortunately, there are a few circumstances where it's simply impossible for a cyclist to ride on these lanes:
Dooring: It's not rare to see parked vehicles in bike lanes. If a cyclist is riding too close to a parked car, they face a significant risk of injury if the driver suddenly opens their car door. This means that some cyclists may have to leave the bike lane to avoid accidents.
Obstructions: Many obstacles can block a bike lane, including parked cars, debris, and even people. In these cases, an oncoming cyclist may have to merge into regular traffic to avoid getting into an accident.
Turning: Cyclists must leave the bike lane if they need to make a left turn.
Speed Matching: Some lanes may be too narrow for the cyclist to ride safely, so they may have to get out of them. On the other hand, if the cyclist is moving at a similar speed to the traffic, it may be better for them to merge into the regular lane.
Road Conditions: Some roads may not be appropriate for cyclists to be in. Issues like potholes can make the lane unsafe for everyone.
Myth Three - Cyclists Are Inherently Hazardous on the Road
Some drivers believe that cyclists are a danger to themselves or others, causing most personal injury accidents on record. The truth is, however, that the main reason for bicycle accidents in the United States is distracted driving.
A report from 2022 stated that distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives that year.
On top of that, a crash between a cyclist and a motor vehicle is often the driver's fault. This is because there are many distracting factors that can lead to a car accident, such as texting, eating, taking a phone call, etc.
While this doesn't mean that a cyclist can't be at fault for an accident, these studies show that motor vehicle drivers tend to be the main culprits.
Myth Four - Drivers Can Honk at Cyclists Who Are in Their Way
Honking excessively or yelling can easily lead to an accident. When a car driver perceives something "being in their way," they feel the need to honk or yell at the person responsible for that.
This usually happens when drivers encounter cyclists on the road. The main reason why is that there's a common notion that cyclists are slower, so they affect the flow of traffic.
Doing this, however, can lead to many problems. Startling a cyclist may often cause them to lose control over their bike, leading to an accident.
In certain states, aggressive behavior on the road can be considered a violation. In Iowa, no horn or warning device should emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound. Also, they should only use the horn when it's reasonably necessary.
Myth Five - Helmets Prevent Any Injuries
Wearing a helmet is crucial to prevent head injuries and other related wounds after an accident, but they're not a magic solution.
Helmets don't protect other parts of the body like the spine, so cyclists shouldn't rely on them to stay safe on the road. All cyclists in Iowa must follow traffic laws and behave responsibly when merging with oncoming traffic to avoid fatal accidents.
Myth Six - Most Bicycle Accidents Happen in Bad Weather or at Night
There's a common misconception that most bicyclist deaths happen at night or during bad weather due to cyclists not being able to see well. While these conditions could make accidents more common, that doesn't mean that they can't also happen in broad daylight or clear weather conditions.
All cyclists must ride as cautiously as possible and avoid going out if the road conditions aren't appropriate for them. For more information, bicycle accident lawyers may be able to help.
Myth Seven - Cyclists Are Always at Fault in Accidents
As mentioned in previous myths, cyclists aren't always at fault for accidents. However, the fault doesn't necessarily have to lie with the motorist either.
Many factors can contribute to an accident, including distracted pedestrians, poor weather conditions, and bad road design.
While reckless driving stays at the top of the reasons why an accident can happen, it's important to review the circumstances objectively.
Why Hiring an Attorney Is Important
Treating a personal injury case isn't the same as filing a bike theft lawsuit, for example. An injured cyclist can experience life-long consequences, and it's not fair for them to pay for an accident that wasn't their fault.
An attorney can help victims gather enough evidence and file a claim against the at-fault party to cover lost wages, medical bills, and other related expenses. They can look at police reports, talk to witnesses, and represent the victim in court, if necessary. They also have insight on common pedestrian accident myths in Iowa.
Bottom Line
There are many things to do to avoid accidents in Iowa, such as keeping eye contact when crossing intersections, paying attention to stop signs, and more. However, some accidents are unpredictable and can leave innocent people with painful injuries.
Those who were involved in a bicycle accident can seek compensation with the help of the team at Tom Fowler Law. With the right strategy, victims can recover what is owed to them and get the at-fault party to justice.
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