Missouri Accident Lawyer Blog

Two bicyclists were transported to a local hospital with moderate to serious injuries after a Bates County Missouri bicycle accident. The Bates County Missouri car bicycle accident occurred on Highway 18.

Malissa D. Brooks, 36, and Benjamin L. Saubers, 28, were struck by a 2011 Chevrolet vehicle on September 19, 2011 at 7:05pm. Brooks sustained serious injuries and Saubers suffered moderate injuries. They were transported to Research Medical and Research Main for medical treatment. The accident victims were from Adrian, Missouri and Butler, Missouri.

Bicyclists are at a great risk of serious injury or death when they collide with a car, truck, or SUV. In fact, hundreds of bicyclists lose their lives in fatal traffic accidents each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 600 cyclists died in fatal traffic accidents in 2009 alone.

Even as the popularity of cycling increases, many Missouri drivers are still not used to sharing the road with bicyclists. For example, many Missouri bicycle accidents occur as motorists attempt to pass cyclists on the road. When a bicyclist rides near the far side of a lane, some motorists attempt to pass within the same lane. The motorist may strike the cyclist while driving within the same lane. Passing a cyclist within the same lane is a dangerous maneuver.

Passing a cyclist within the same lane is not only dangerous, but in violation of Missouri traffic laws. Missouri statute §307.188 states that “[e]very person riding a bicycle or motorized bicycle upon a street or highway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle.” Any maneuver that would be illegal between two motor vehicles is illegal between a motor vehicle and a bicycle. Regardless of the width of the lane, motor vehicles can only pass other motor vehicles after completing a lane change. In order to pass a cyclist, Missouri motorists should first change lanes.