Riding a bicycle on public roads can be a great way to get exercise, reduce environmental impact, and enjoy the outdoors. However, sharing the road with impatient or aggressive drivers can make cycling stressful or even dangerous. Road rage incidents between drivers and cyclists are a growing problem across the United States, including in Nebraska. This article will examine the causes of road rage, laws protecting cyclists, and tips for bicycle riders to handle aggressive drivers safely.
Understanding Road Rage
Road rage refers to aggressive or violent behavior by a driver directed at another road user, such as a cyclist. This can include shouting, rude gestures, deliberately passing too close, throwing objects, or even physically attacking the other person. Surveys indicate over 80% of cyclists have experienced some form of harassment from drivers.
Several factors contribute to road rage against bicyclists:
- Lack of shared road experience – Many drivers are simply unfamiliar with how to drive safely around bikes due to lack of exposure. This leads to mistakes and frustration.
- Sense of entitlement – Some drivers feel roads are meant only for cars and view cyclists as not belonging.
- Anonymity – Drivers feel more emboldened to act aggressively when protected inside their vehicles.
- Stress – Rushing while driving, heavy traffic, or just having a bad day can prime some drivers to lash out at cyclists.
- Confusion over bike laws – There are many misconceptions among drivers about road rules pertaining to cyclists, such as where they can ride or if they must adhere to all traffic signs/signals. Uncertainty breeds resentment.
- Cyclist behavior – While never justifying road rage, some cyclists do ride recklessly or discourteously, angering law-abiding drivers.
Nebraska Laws Protecting Cyclists
While no laws can completely prevent road rage, Nebraska does have statutes establishing cyclists’ rights to the road and penalties for driver harassment:
- Bicycles are considered vehicles under Nebraska law and have equal rights to use public roads (except limited access highways).
- Drivers must provide at least 3 feet of clearance when passing bicycles. Violations can result in $200 fines.
- Throwing objects at cyclists is a felony with penalties up to 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 fines.
- Other acts like shouting, swerving, or throwing items could potentially be charged as assault or reckless driving.
- Drivers can cross double yellow lines in no passing zones to safely pass cyclists when necessary.
- Motorists must yield to cyclists in bike lanes and on bike paths. Failure to do so can result in right-of-way violation fines.
Why Road Rage Occurs More Frequently Against Cyclists
Beyond the general factors that contribute to road rage, there are reasons aggressive incidents occur at higher rates between drivers and bike riders:
- Cyclists are more vulnerable – Unlike cars, bicycles provide little physical protection, making cyclists appear like “easy targets” for enraged drivers.
- Travel speed differences – Bikes often move at much slower speeds than cars, creating frustration for drivers stuck behind them.
- Dehumanization – Drivers in climate-controlled vehicles may see cyclists as objects rather than people.
- Cyclists inconvenience drivers – Whether taking up road space or “slowing them down,” some drivers see bikes as interfering with their journeys.
- Greater consequences for drivers – Collisions with cyclists, even when the driver is at fault, cause significantly more damage to cars than bike-on-bike crashes. This incentivizes aggressive behavior toward cyclists.
Tips for Cyclists Dealing with Aggressive Drivers
Staying safe when encountering angry drivers requires keeping composure and using good judgment. Here are some tips for bicycle riders:
- Remain calm – As difficult as it is, avoiding retaliation reduces the likelihood of further escalation.
- Allow them to pass – If possible, move over and let the driver go by to diffuse the situation.
- Use hand signals – Clearly signaling your moves and intentions can ease confusion and tension.
- Make eye contact – A friendly wave or nod can help remind the driver you’re a human being.
- Capture evidence – Have a camera or cell phone ready to document license plates or unsafe behavior in case the police get involved.
- Report incidents – Notify police of any assault, threat, or collision. Even if charges aren’t filed, it establishes a record of the driver’s actions.
- Stay visible – Use lights and reflectors at night and bright clothing during the day. The more visible you are, the less likely surprise encounters occur.
- Avoid confrontation – Never escalate the situation by yelling profanities or making obscene gestures, which could put your safety at greater risk.
- Use alternate routes – Change your cycling route to avoid known problem areas with frequent road rage incidents, if possible.
What to Do After an Aggressive Driving Incident
If you are the victim of a road rage attack while cycling, here are important steps to take:
- Seek medical attention immediately if you’ve sustained any physical injuries. Be sure to document all injuries in detail.
- Call the police and file an official report. Provide license plate details, vehicle descriptions, and identities of witnesses willing to corroborate the driver’s actions.
- Take photos of any vehicle damage, skid marks on the road, injuries to yourself, or other evidence at the scene.
- Write down all the details you can recall while the incident is still fresh in your mind.
- Seek counseling if you experience trauma or emotional distress following a road rage attack. Many cyclists develop anxiety about future rides.
- Check if the location has traffic cameras that may have captured video footage for evidence.
- Contact a personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Seek Legal Assistance After Injuries
While prevention is best, if you are injured by an aggressive driver, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is highly recommended. They can advise you on collecting police reports, medical records, witness statements, photo/video evidence, and other documentation vital to building a strong case for compensation. An attorney understands cycling laws and fault determination, negotiates with insurance companies on your behalf, and can file a lawsuit if fair settlement terms are not offered.
Here at Monge & Associates, our team of skilled bicycle accident lawyers has been getting injured Nebraskan cyclists the recovery they deserve for years. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Nebraska, Iowa, and Arizona, we have the resources and expertise to handle cases of any size or complexity. We help cyclists across the state obtain justice after road rage crashes. To arrange a free consultation with no obligations, call us anytime at (888) 477-0597.