Watch out! Dooring crashes can maim or kill

On Behalf of | Dec 6, 2020 | Car accidents

If you enjoy riding your bike, then you may already know about the risk of being doored while passing a vehicle. Dooring is extremely dangerous because cyclists may have no time to get out of the way. It essentially causes a head-on collision.

Drivers and their passengers have the ability to prevent dooring accidents by simply looking outside their vehicles before opening their doors. This is particularly important in parking spaces that are close to bike lanes, the main roadway or sidewalks.

How serious are dooring crashes?

Dooring can maim and kill cyclists every year. Fortunately, it is simple to prevent this kind of collision. Cyclists should look at their route and see if there is a path that has bike lanes or an area without parking spaces. For example, some roads do not allow people to park on the side of the road, which makes it much less likely for a dooring accident to occur.

Drivers and their passengers are widely responsible for dooring accidents because the cyclists cannot predict when they’re going to open their doors. Drivers and passengers can minimize the risk of dooring accidents by checking their rearview mirrors, side mirrors and turning to look out the side of their vehicle before opening the door. Additionally, when opening the door, it is essential to open the door slowly. That way, anyone who was in a blind spot has time to yell out or go around the door.

If you or someone you love is hurt in a crash like this, know that you have the right to pursue compensation. Drivers must be cautious and should always look in the lane before opening their doors.