The Dangers of Bicycle “Dooring” Accidents in Chicago

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Bicycle Accidents

Chicago has been named America’s Best Bike City, but there are still plenty of dangers for cyclists throughout the city. One of the most common and dangerous types of bicycle accidents is “dooring,” in which a cyclist is struck by a car door that is opened in their path.

Even though Chicago has added over 100 miles of bike lanes to its streets in the past several years, the prevalence of dooring accidents has increased during that time, demonstrating the need for both drivers and cyclists to stay safe when using the road.

Increased Instances of Dooring

In April of 2017, the Illinois Department of Transportation released the latest road accident data for Chicago, covering the year 2015. This report showed that 302 bicyclists were doored in 2015, which was a 50 percent increase from the previous year. There were a total of 1,720 accidents involving bicycles in 2015 (an increase three percent from the previous year), resulting in 1,644 injuries.

The city of Chicago has been working to improve safety on its streets, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Vision Zero campaign has a goal of eliminating serious injuries and deaths in traffic accidents by 2026.

As part of this campaign, the city has been working to improve bicycle safety by creating new protected bike lanes, and in 2013, the city increased the fine for causing an injury by opening a car door into traffic from $500 to $1,000. However, with the increased number of dooring accidents, many believe that the city could do more to educate drivers about safety.

Avoiding Dooring Injuries

Dooring can cause incredibly debilitating injuries. Cyclists can be knocked off their bike, causing broken bones, abrasions, contusions, and internal injuries. Even when they are wearing a helmet, they can receive concussions. In especially dangerous situations, a cyclist may be knocked into traffic and struck by a moving vehicle, which can result in serious injuries and even death.

To avoid dooring accidents, drivers and passengers should always look behind them before opening their doors and avoid driving or parking in bike lanes. Cyclists should also remain aware of nearby cars and try to keep a safe distance from parked vehicles.

Contact a Waukegan Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident due to dooring or any other driver negligence, you should contact an experienced accident injury attorney as soon as possible. At Salvi & Maher, LLP, we will aggressively represent you as you seek to recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact our Lake County bike accident attorneys at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-dooring-cyclist-report-met-20170426-story.html

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170426/portage-park/bicycle-dooring-accidents