Right Hook
From ibikeu Wiki
The Right Hook occurs when a car overtakes the bicycle and then immediately proceeds to turn right, crossing the path of the bicycle and forcing it to take evasive action. This can occur at crossroads, but more dangerous situations occur at entrances for parking or shops which interrupt the curb line. Smart traffic planning seeks to minimize these access points along bicycle routes, which are convenient for the car, but consistently dangerous for the bicycle.
Often the cause of this type of accident is the car driver incorrectly estimates the speed of the bicycle. Once the driver has overtaken the bicycle, they make their right turn perceiving that the cyclist is far behind them, when in reality a fast cyclist may be directly behind them.
C.V.C. 21717 addresses this situation in the instances of a bike lanes adjacent the roadway: Whenever it is necessary for the driver of a motor vehicle to cross a bicycle lane that is adjacent to his lane of travel to make a turn, the driver shall drive the motor vehicle into the bicycle lane prior to making the turn and shall make the turn pursuant to Section 22100.
Related Links
- First Hand Accounts Of The Right Hook
- Safety Literature
