The Biggest Threat to Long Distance Cyclists: The Rise of the Distracted Driver
The Biggest Threat to Long Distance Cyclists: The Rise of the Distracted Driver While the dangers of the open road are numerous – from inclement weather to mechanical failures – the single biggest threat to long-distance cyclists today is the rise of the distracted driver. In an era of smartphones, texting, and in-car entertainment systems, drivers are more preoccupied than ever before. This inattention has devastating consequences for cyclists who share the road. 1 Texting While Driving: This is perhaps the most insidious threat. Drivers who text are functionally blind, unable to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, such as a cyclist moving into the lane. Social Media Scrolling: The allure of social media can be powerful, distracting drivers from the crucial task of safely operating a vehicle. 2 Eating and Drinking: Eating, drinking, applying makeup, and adjusting the radio all take a driver's focus away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. 3 The con...
