RSS
Home
Risk management for cyclists: Human factors
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
How many time have you heard these after a crash:
"It was only an accident."
"I was just riding along when..."
"It just happened. I don't know why."
In aviation, most crashes are due to human factors. It's reasonable to include these causes when investigating bicycle crashes. They include all types from simple falls to collisions with other vehicles. The common human factors are:
Complacency
Distraction
Pressure
Fatigue
Lack of knowledge
Lack of communication
Lack of assertiveness
Lack of awareness
Norms
We become complacent when we assume that the conditions we encountered previously are unchanging. One especially egregious illustration is the assumption that motor vehicles will never cross a bike lane stripe to the right, or that a cyclist will never cross it to the left. Never make assumptions.
Distraction is readily defined. For motorists, it's cellphones, entertainment systems, and food. For cyclists, food is certainly a distraction, as are roving dogs, bees, and other cyclists. Anything that diverts attention from traffic and the road just ahead can result in a fall or collision.
Who hasn't felt pressure on a ride? It may be from an approaching storm front or simply be the result of running late to work one morning.
Fatigue has an effect that's much like being drunk. It causes poor decision making and increases reaction time.
Lack of knowledge can cover many things. Riding fast downhill without knowing the road ahead could be one example. Riding in the rain for the first time can be another.
Communication is important both on group rides and when you're solo riding in traffic. Be predictable. Let your companions know when you're slowing, and signal so motorists can predict what you'll do next.
An assertive rider doesn't allow his companions to make choices for him. If they routinely blow through red lights and stop signs, he lets the group go and adheres to the law.
Previous: Bike helmets and abdominal injuries
Next: Layered risk management, starting with bike control.
Related Articles:
Comments
