If you are a cyclist, have you ever noticed that some drivers treat you aggressively? It is not just that accidents happen because drivers make simple mistakes or overlook cyclists entirely. In some cases, drivers intentionally act aggressively, such as passing far too closely, tailgating or even honking their horn and yelling at the cyclist out the window of their vehicle.
There are a few different reasons why this happens. One is that many drivers simply do not want to share the road with cyclists. They think of the road as a space for cars, and they believe that the cyclist is invading that space. This can cause them to become angry or to believe that their aggressive behavior is justified.
Slowing them down
Similarly, many drivers become frustrated if they feel that a cyclist is slowing them down, especially if they are in a hurry. Someone may be speeding and rushing to work when they find themselves behind a cyclist who is traveling at the speed limit or below it. If there is no safe place to pass, the driver may become angry that the cyclist is in their way and may make an unsafe pass or drive aggressively.
What this often comes down to is that drivers are not viewing cyclists as people. Instead, they see them as obstacles or something that is preventing them from doing what they want. Even though the cyclist has done nothing wrong and has a legal right to share the road, that is not how the driver views the situation. They see the cyclist as a frustrating and unnecessary obstacle.
Unfortunately, these problematic attitudes can sometimes lead to serious accidents. Injured cyclists must understand all of their legal options.
