Avoid Getting Hit by Cars: A Skaters Guide to Common Scenarios

Avoid Getting Hit by Cars: A Skaters Guide to Common Scenarios
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It is not enough to know the rules of the road to avoid getting hit by cars. Skaters need to be proactive and aware of the different scenarios before considering sharing space with cars. This includes bike pathways which often have intersections or parking lots that could potentially cause a dangerous situation to occur when a car pulls in or out.

Protect Yourself

The first and most emphasized tip is to wear protective gear and a well fitting helmet. This is not the whole story though. In order to avoid getting hit by cars you need to be aware of some of the potential hazardous situations.

A car pulls out of a parking lot or intersection to the right of the road.

  • Wear a flashing headlamp and reflective gear even in daylight. The odds of being seen go up when there is something to draw the driver’s eyes towards you. Add to this brightly colored clothing and even a reflective triangle to the back of your shirt. You are very small and hard to see when skating. Take every precaution possible.
  • Move into the center of the path if it is safe to do so. As long as no one is coming up behind, moving closer to the center ups the odds of you being seen. Drivers generally are looking for cars, or other vehicles in the road, not a person on skates close to the curb.
  • Slow down. Brake if it is apparent the driver has not seen you. No eye contact is a good clue you have not been seen. Prepare for the worst and simply stop as quickly as you can.
  • Shout at the driver. This works best if their window is down of course, but making yourself known is the best way to avoid getting hit by cars even if you feel silly shouting at a stranger.

A car door opens in front of you.

  • Stop if at all possible. Stop, or move further right and off the road.
  • Ride out into the center of the road to avoid the door. This depends of course on the traffic in the area. If you are skating in the road without much traffic this is a good option. Even if there is a car farther back, they will be able to see you while the person flinging their car door open apparently didn’t.

Stopping in a blind spot.

  • When waiting at a red light or stop sign, stay away from drivers’ blind spots. Staying a car length behind the waiting vehicle is the best idea. Give the vehicle room to make a right turn without crushing you.
  • Intersections can be tricky to navigate. Skaters are often the last thing a car is expecting to see and they are not looking for you. Look out for yourself by waiting until it is safe before crossing.

Drivers that pass you and then turn.

  • This is a common scenario. Even cars that see you can misjudge how fast you are going. Avoid getting hit by being prepared to stop.
  • Stay safe by being a little rude. Do not hug the curb, skate with traffic and stay toward the center of the lane. If you are on a bike trail and an intersection is coming up, be prepared to stop. Cars may turn in without realizing they cannot pass you in time to avoid a collision.
  • Wear a helmet with an attached mirror so you can be extra aware.

References

Personal experience

Ten Ways to Avoid Getting Hit by a Car for Bicyclists-https://www.wellsphere.com/triathlon-article/top-ten-ways-to-avoid-getting-hit-by-a-car/546849

Bike mirrors-https://www.bikexprt.com/bicycle/mirror.htm