Cyclists face constant risks from the drivers around them. A cyclist has very little protection in a collision, so even a low-speed accident could lead to serious injuries.
In some cases, these accidents happen because drivers simply make negligent mistakes. A driver could be under the influence of alcohol or distracted by their cellphone, for instance. But you will also find drivers who seem to act unsafely around cyclists on purpose, sometimes acting aggressively or even engaging in road rage. Why does this happen?
They do not believe cyclists belong on the road
What some reports find is that aggressive drivers often feel that the road is for cars and that cyclists do not belong. So any time they encounter cyclists, they are already frustrated and believe that person should not be riding on the road to begin with.
Some drivers find the laws regarding cyclists annoying, for instance, and this can create an aggressive attitude toward cyclists in general. A driver may not be happy that they have to give a cyclist appropriate space while passing, so they pass too closely and risk causing an accident. They may also be frustrated by a cyclist’s relatively slow speed, so they push their way past when there is not room to do so safely.
Similarly, many drivers are just in a hurry. They feel that a cyclist is impeding their trip and keeping them from arriving at their destination on time. Rather than slowing down and ensuring that everyone is safe, they may drive recklessly.
Seeking financial compensation
Unfortunately, this attitude toward cyclists often leads to unsafe driving decisions and serious accidents. Cyclists who have been injured by negligent drivers need to know how to seek appropriate financial compensation.