Cycling around is one of the most sustainable ways to travel. It is highly convenient, especially in a place like Mississippi where there are great cycle routes all around the state. However, when you hop on your bike for your daily commute and the weather is less than favorable, it does make you more vulnerable. Why is this, exactly? Let’s explore more in the guide here.
The Most Common Causes of Cyclist Incidents on Mississippi Roads
The most common causes of cyclist accidents in this area are distracted driving, vehicle operation under the influence, poor visibility, and illegal maneuvers. All of these things can and are made worse by poor weather, and if one of these factors interacts with a rainstorm or heavy fog, then the cyclist is at high risk of severe injury taking place or even death. A Jackson personal injury attorney may be able to help if you or a loved one suffered harm due to a negligent motorist.
How Does Poor Weather Affect Cyclist Safety?
There are three main factors that impact a cyclist’s safety when the weather takes a turn for the dark side. Any one of these factors can and will contribute towards an increase in crash statistics. From February through to September, Mississippi sees a lot of rain so extra precautions should be taken during this time.
Visibility
As soon as the weather changes, a cyclist is less visible. This means they won’t be as avoidable and the safety of anyone in that path is put at risk. Poor weather, which will be explored in more detail further down the post, creates poor visibility.
Control
It is also a lot more difficult to control any type of vehicle if the weather is playing a role in road conditions and how far people can see. It is difficult to navigate a bike ride around cars, trucks, and pedestrians, especially when environmental factors like noise and visual distractions are also at play. So, when you add in the extra impact brought about by severe skies, bike control will be even less attainable. If a rider loses this control, their life is at risk!
Time Spent Cycling
Poor weather also increases the duration of a bike journey. This means the cyclist is on the road for longer and, therefore, they are more exposed to potential dangers and hazards. A weather event like fog or snowfall could increase a journey time by an hour or more, and all of this is time spent exposed to the extremes and at risk of becoming an accident victim.
The Worst Kind of Weather to Cycle In
You may think that cycling around on a sunny day is the best place to be. While there is truth in this, sometimes the sun can be an extreme type of weather to navigate for bicycle users, especially those who are on main traffic routes and have to navigate lots of cars or other types of vehicles. Bright, warm sunshine can cause decreased visibility and increased uncomfortable feelings which can be entirely off-putting and distracting for the rider. What other kinds of weather are the worst?
Rain
Rain, or specifically, heavy rain, is one of the most dangerous types of weather to navigate while riding a bike. It makes the road slippery, creates visual disturbances, and everyone else on the road will be compensating because of the weather event. Trying to cycle in heavy rain is extremely dangerous, and you should try to wait for it to pass or avoid the activity entirely until the rain subsides.
Ice
Ice makes the roads impossible to cycle safely on. People in large trucks with huge tires and solid vehicle mass struggle when there is an increased amount of ice on the road surface, so it stands to reason that cyclists would have their safety compromised too. There is a big risk of losing control and coming off the bike or slipping straight into oncoming traffic or even a pedestrian.
Fog
Bike riders have a duty of care to ensure that everyone on the road can see them. This is a personal safety thing, and to ensure that everyone else is kept safe as well. They should have things like high vis clothing and sufficient lights on their bike. So, if it is foggy, it is already difficult to see. Add a small bike to the equation, and this is a highly volatile situation indeed. It will be impossible for other road users or even pedestrians to see you, and that is why cycling in fog is not recommended at all.
What Are the Consequences of Poor Weather Accidents?
When a cyclist is harmed, it is often serious. Whether they fall off their bike or collide with a car, the risk factor is high. Catastrophic injuries like broken limbs and TBIs are common, and there is an increased chance that they will die, especially if another vehicle is involved. The top tips for avoiding the more serious injuries are to always be cautious, wear the right protective clothing like a helmet and high-vis, and avoid the roads when the weather is terrible.
Can You File for Compensation in These Circumstances?
Yes. It is possible that even though the weather played a key part in your accident, someone else’s involvement also had a role as well. The investigation will be thorough, and you may be found partly responsible. However, everything is worth an exploration and the best attorneys here will understand exactly what you need to make it work. Talk to our team to find out why you can file for compensation in more detail.
Monge & Associates has offices in 32 locations across 19 states. Our office in Mississippi is complemented by buildings in Kansas, Virginia, Missouri, Ohio, Washington, Utah, and more. This proves that we have the expertise you need to represent a case like this to the optimal conclusion.
So, if you have been injured in a cyclist accident because of poor weather and you’re not sure where to turn to, give Monge & Associates a call on 800-421-0174. We will always be close by to answer any questions and talk about the road ahead.