There are two main types of safety gear that people recommend to cyclists. First, there are accessories designed specifically to protect people in the event of collisions. Clothing intended to prevent road rash and helmets fall into this category. Second, there is safety gear designed to make cyclists more visible in traffic. Visibility gear can range from fluorescent neon clothing and helmets with reflectors to illuminated vests and aftermarket bicycle accessories.
Even with the invention of visibility gear, a large percentage of cycling crashes caused by cars occur because drivers fail to notice cyclists in traffic. Why do so many people overlook cyclists that share the road with motor vehicles?
The brain doesn’t view cyclists as a threat
Researchers have already discovered the underlying reason why drivers fail to notice cyclists, pedestrians and even motorcycles in traffic. The reason is relatively simple. The brain has too much incoming visual information, and therefore, safety-critical details are what people tend to focus on in traffic.
The brain performs a sort of information triage process where it subconsciously decides what people should focus on for optimal safety. Cyclists often do not command attention in traffic because they do not pose a threat. Those in enclosed motor vehicles are unlikely to sustain any injuries should they collide with the cyclist. Therefore, the brain prioritizes bigger, more threatening objects.
Researchers refer to this phenomenon as inattentional blindness. Nothing an individual cyclist does can overcome the way that the human brain operates. Gear intended to draw attention can help but may do very little to reduce crash risk overall.
The only people who can prevent attention-related collisions are drivers. Motorists have to make a point of focusing their attention on smaller vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. If they fail to do so, then they are ultimately responsible for the crashes they cause.
Cyclists hurt by motor vehicles may have grounds to file insurance claims. If the policy of the motorist at fault is not large enough to cover damages, then the cyclist injured in a crash may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Recognizing that cyclists cannot combat inattentional blindness on their own can help those involved in car-bicycle collisions feel comfortable about pursuing compensation. Drivers who overlook cyclists may be legally and financially responsible for the harm they cause.
