The recent incident involving an impaired car driver who grazed a cyclist near West Lake Road, Prince Edward, Ontario brings into focus the medical, legal and insurance issues in such incidents. Although the cyclist was unhurt in this case, it’s a fact that cyclists and pedestrians are among the most vulnerable of road-users.

Burlington personal injury lawyers know from their experience in dealing with such cases regularly, that a combination of an alcohol or drug-impaired motor-vehicle driver and a cyclist who is essentially without any protection against impact forces, can be a recipe for disaster.

In this particular incident, the driver compounded his errors by failing to stop at the accident scene.

Why Cyclists Are At Risk

Canada is one of the most cycle-friendly countries in the world. The thousands of miles of cycling trails, tracks, roads and scenic mountain routes make cycling a pleasure. Cycling to work is also being encouraged in urban locations to reduce pollution. Though cycling is a healthy commute option, it’s non-polluting and a lot of fun, there are certain inherent risks involved in cycling in urban areas.

• Since cyclists have no protection against the exterior environment, they’re prone to be badly hurt even in low speed collisions. Head, neck, spinal and limb injuries are most common following motor-vehicle collisions.

• Traumatic brain injury, concussion, skull fractures and spinal cord severance are some of the risks that cyclists face though they may be wearing helmets or other safety gear. Fractures to limbs and ribs, facial and dental injuries are also common injuries.

• Another huge risk for cyclists is if they’ve been grazed, they can very easily lose balance. Inexperienced and younger cyclists may often feel intimidated by larger vehicles coming too close to them and this again may unbalance them.

• A fall while cycling can throw the cyclist in the path of other vehicles on the road, leading to serious injuries.

• Night-riding can be a lot of fun, but it is also highly risky. Cyclists must wear protective gear that’s easily visible or reflective in poor lighting.

• Many accidents happen when the cyclist is hit from behind by a motor-vehicle driver who failed to see them at night. This risk can be minimized by fitting rear lights on your bike. A front light is of course essential if you’re riding at night.

• Cyclists also face problems from road and trail debris thrown up by vehicles in front. They need to wear eye-protection glasses to minimize the risk.

• Many cycling accidents happen when the motor-vehicle driver fails to observe a cyclist while taking a turn. Cyclists are also at risk from car passengers or drivers who suddenly open a door in their path.

The cycling community in Ontario has been lobbying for more regulations that will ensure their safety. Public Health statistics have shown that while ER visits by occupants of cars has been steadily decreasing, the same can’t be said for pedestrians and cyclists hit by motor-vehicles.

If you or a dear one has been injured in an MVA, contact the nearest personal injury lawyer in Burlington immediately. You may be entitled to compensation that can ease the physical, financial and emotional burden that result from an accident.