Wisconsin: Carelessly Opened Car Doors Could Result in Fines

[Latina]

Carelessly Opened Car Doors Could Result in Fines

Drivers will have to pay attention to bikers before they open car doors or pay up under a bill moving through the Wisconsin Legislature.

The bill approved Tuesday by the Senate requires drivers to take "due precaution" to ensure opening their doors will not interfere with traffic or endanger any person or vehicle. Violators could be fined $40.

The plan also eliminates a requirement that riders allow three feet between their bike and any vehicle. It is expected to be considered by the Assembly later Tuesday.

Lawmakers introduced the bill after a Madison woman last year fractured a vertebra when a motorist opening a door threw her off her bike.

The woman received a $10 citation while she was in the hospital for riding too close to the car.

[Latina]

The bill approved Tuesday by the Senate requires drivers to take "due precaution" to ensure opening their doors will not interfere with traffic or endanger any person or vehicle. Violators could be fined $40.

The plan also eliminates a requirement that riders allow three feet between their bike and any vehicle.

I am always aware of my surroundings & watch for others when i open my car door, however i'm not sure how i feel about this one... so if you are on a bike riding down the road you are not responsible for your own safety, instead those who are legally parked are? this one baffles me.

[Blue Baboon]

I ride bike a lot and sometimes being 3 feet from a parked car is going to put a person right into traffic on your left side. Which is safer? A moving car or a parked one?

Once my husband was on his bike when some guy whipped his door open and knocked my husband on his butt. He got bruised up pretty bad and it damaged his bike. At least the guy paid for the damage, but that was after my husband yelled at him.

It's not that hard to look in your mirror as you open up your car door to see if anyone is coming up. I always look first before I open my door.

Also, when I ride my bike I'm always looking around me because you can never trust anyone in a car not to hit you no matter where you are.

[Latina]

Originally Posted by Blue Baboon

It's not that hard to look in your mirror as you open up your car door to see if anyone is coming up. I always look first before I open my door.

Also, when I ride my bike I'm always looking around me because you can never trust anyone in a car not to hit you no matter where you are.

I agree i also check to make sure no one is gonna be hurt by that door before i open it, but it should be both the rider & drivers responsibility imo

In fact it should be common sense on both part... i guess i'm just baffled by the need for a law. lol

imho

[Blue Baboon]

I blame cell phones LOL. Maybe it's because the person in the car is too busy on their cell phone. Let's ticket the cell phone company!