Safety Tips for Bicyclists against Dooring Accidents

Dooring accidents are a common type of accident between bicyclists and car owners. They typically happen when a driver or car occupant in a parked car opens the car door without looking.

For example, a car passenger did not look to see that the way was clear before opening the car door. A bicyclist passing at that moment can crash into the open door, thus resulting in catastrophic, even fatal, injuries. The cyclist is at the most risk in this type of accident, while car owners and drivers may be held financially liable.

Whether or not the cyclist rides directly into the door or clips them, the result can be devastating. Car occupants must look well before opening the door to avoid this accident. Meanwhile, there are ways you can protect yourself as a bicyclist from being doored.

Steer Clear of Parked Cars as Much as Possible

The first tip is to give parked cars plenty of clearance, meaning do not ride too close to parked cars. If there are a lot of parked cars where you are riding, maintain at least a three-foot distance from them.

If it is a narrow road and leaving that much distance is impossible, you can do either of these two things:

• First, alight from your bike and walk until you are on a clear road with no parked vehicles; or
• Ride in traffic as if driving a car; it is better than risking your life.

Look for Occupants in the Parked Car

Before you ride past a parked automobile, scan it for heads to know if anyone is in it. If you can see a head, there is a chance of someone coming out of the car without warning. Do not take the chance and assume you can speed past before they come out of the car.

Instead, ensure you leave enough space between you and the parked car. Meanwhile, even if you do not see a head, be careful because it could mean the person inside is not visible. Perhaps they are short and cannot be seen on the other side of the seat.

Do Not Drive Too Fast

Whether you see a parked car on your way or not, you should maintain a safe speed when riding. However, if you see a parked vehicle, slow down to prevent riding straight into a car door that suddenly opens. Be extra vigilant around parked cars and be aware of your surroundings.

Take note of the parked cars around you and understand that their doors can open anytime and unannounced. Therefore, be extra cautious and ready to react when a car door suddenly opens. When you are aware of your surroundings and not speeding, you can prepare an escape route before anything happens.

Conclusion

Dooring accidents may seem minor, but they are potential causes of serious injuries – that is, when they are not fatal. Different things can happen in a dooring accident, including a bicyclist hitting a car door head-on, flipping over it, and landing on their head. Even with your helmet on, dooring accidents can still cause a traumatic brain injury like bleeding in the brain.

Therefore, we cannot emphasize the importance of following these safety measures. On the other hand, there are times when you can do nothing to prevent a dooring accident. If you are a victim of a dooring accident, you might want to contact an accident lawyer to understand your legal options.

Also Read: Protect Your Rights: Hire a Car Accident Attorney