4 reasons drivers do not watch out for cyclists

Spring is a prime time for bicyclists to dust off their machines and hit the streets of Issaquah. Unfortunately, though, the number of cyclist fatalities has been on the rise in recent years. Even people who ride their bicycles responsibly cannot control the actions of others on the road.

Bicycle accidents happen for many reasons. Still, drivers often report not seeing riders in traffic lanes. Why do motorists not watch out for cyclists? Here are four main reasons:

Distracted driving

Distracted driving remains a problem in Washington and across the country. Put simply, if drivers fail to pay attention to their surroundings, they may not see a rider. The following three types of distractions may cause drivers not to watch for bicyclists:

Visual distractions, where the driver takes eyes away from the driving task
Manual distractions, where the driver takes hands away from the driving task
Mental distractions, where the driver’s mind wanders away from the driving task

Time management

With work, family and other obligations, Issaquah residents seem busier than ever. The road is no place to try to catch up, though. If a driver does not allow adequate time for the commute, he or she may be more likely to miss a passing cyclist.

Inattentional blindness

All cyclists should know about the phenomenon known as inattentional blindness. When a person is behind the wheel of an automobile, he or she receives considerable sensory stimulation. To cope, the brain decides what information is important and what to ignore. Regrettably, drivers’ brains may cause them to look straight through bicycle riders without consciously registering their presence.

Driver arrogance

Some drivers see cyclists as an unreasonable intrusion into their driving space. Accordingly, a driver may not be willing to yield to an approaching bicycle or otherwise accommodate a rider.

Because drivers may not see a bicycle, riders may need to rethink their approach to cycling to stay safe. While wearing protective gear is a good start, cyclists should consider taking further measures on the road, such as leaving extra space between their bike and other vehicles.

Contact Our Washington Personal Injury Law Firm at Dean Standish Perkins & Associates

We serve all areas in Issaquah, Seattle, and throughout Washington.

Dean Standish Perkins & Associates

1495 NW Gilman Blvd #11, Issaquah, WA 98027, United States
(206) 467-0701

Mon–Fri: 9 AM–5:00 PM
Sat–Sun: Closed

We Go The Extra Mile For You

Trusted Experience. Real Support. Every Step.

We know just how difficult things can be after an accident – even things that once seemed simple. That’s why we are dedicated to
going the extra mile in personal injury cases. Whether that means setting up meetings on weekends or during evening hours or
meeting at a local coffee shop, the hospital or even your home, we are more than willing to do it. If you were in a motor vehicle
collision and your vehicle has not yet been repaired, we can help move that process along as well.