While cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles are a formidable presence across Louisiana, many people opt for other forms of transport. For fitness reasons or convenience, some people choose to complete their journeys by cycling.
Cycling can be practical, invigorating and cost-effective, but it also has the potential to be dangerous. Sometimes, drivers can become aggressive towards cyclists, and many accidents are caused this way. However, this is not always the case. Bicycles can be more challenging for the road user to see, and here’s why;
Inattentional blindness
After a collision, drivers will often claim that they simply did not see the cyclist before running into them. Sometimes, this will not be true and the driver was just acting recklessly, but there are genuine cases. Research suggests that the visual system of humans simply isn’t designed to pick up on cyclists on the road. Inattentional blindness is a phenomenon where the eyes fail to register the presence of a cyclist, and it is responsible for many catastrophic collisions.
Cyclists are a minority
While many individuals have chosen to take up cycling, the roadways are still largely dominated by motor vehicles. Not only can this make the roads an intimidating place for the cyclist, but it can also give drivers a false sense of entitlement. Road users may see cyclists as imposters and obstacles that they need to overcome. This increases the likelihood of frustration and reckless overtaking maneuvers.
Both cyclists and drivers have a right to travel without being placed in unnecessary danger. If you have been injured in a collision, your legal rights may leave open a path to compensation for the harm you have suffered.
The post Why cyclists can be difficult to see appeared first on Joubert Law Firm.