There are many San Diego residents who commute every day in their own vehicles, but there are also those who find in more convenient to ride a bicycle or walk. That is one of the great traits of most major metropolitan areas – residents have a choice in how they get from here to there. Most of the time commuters of all stripes can share the roadways and walkways of San Diego just fine, but all parties have obligations to meet in order to ensure that they do not cause potentially dangerous accidents.
Do drivers in San Diego need to be on the lookout for bicyclists? Yes, they do. Motorists are required to be vigilant, looking for bicyclists when they make turns, open their doors and cross over bike lanes. Motorists in San Diego should know that bicyclists have the same rights as they do.
Unfortunately, it seems like more often than not bicycle accidents are caused by motorists, not bicyclists. As vigilant as a motorist might be, it can often be difficult to see a person riding a bicycle, due to the smaller profile. And motorists should be aware that people on bicycles make different types of movements than vehicles, which may require motorists to enhance their attentiveness while in areas that are heavily travelled by bicyclists.
Bicyclists who are involved in an accident with a motor vehicle can suffer broken bones, usually at the very least, or, at the worst, these accidents can cause fatalities. When bicyclists in San Diego suffer serious injuries in a car accident, they may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in an attempt to recover financial compensation.
Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles, “Sharing the Road (FFDL 37) Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Motorists,” Accessed Feb. 21, 2016
