Dangers of Bicycling
Just How Dangerous is Biking in Florida?
Bicycling is a great form of exercise. When you get on and begin peddling one generally thinks of the fun, the fresh air, the company, and the scenery. You might also be thinking of how many calories you’re burning and how great you’re going to look because you are performing this exercise.
One thing you are more than likely not thinking is of the danger lurking around the next corner. Bicycle accident dangers abound in today’s cities, but they could be anywhere. There are some unusual occurrences that lead to bicycle injuries but there are few injury causes that are more common.
- Drivers not paying attention to cyclist
- Drivers failing to yield to cyclist
- Drivers opening vehicle doors without looking first
- Commercial vehicle negligence
- Defective bicycle parts
As shown, most of the common bike accident dangers are human negligence in nature. In order for bicyclist to be truly safe there needs to be a combination of occurrences such as better bicycling paths, improved driver’s education, and improved laws to protect the bicyclist.
Here are a few laws that currently exist in many states:
- Drivers should pass on the left side of cyclists allowing a safe distance between them
- Drivers will not park or drive in bicycle lanes
- When opening the doors of a vehicle, drivers and passengers will do so only when safe
- Drivers will exercise due care to avoid bicycle collisions
- Drivers will yield to a bicyclist making a left turn
Why is it so important to protect the cyclist? There are several reasons such as: it’s a human right to be safe and protected, bicycling is a growing sport and we are likely to hear of more injuries, if we don’t do something now, and the following eye opening bicycle personal injury accident statistics:
- 630 bicyclists died in the United States in 2009
- 74 out of 630 were 14 years old or younger
- 2% of all 2009 traffic fatalities were bicycle deaths
- 93 bicyclists 15 years old and under killed
- 13,000 bicyclists 15 years old and under injured
- 41 years old is average age of bicyclist death in United States
- 31 years old is average age of bicyclist injured in United States
- Bicyclist injuries increased from 43,000 to 51,000 from 2007-2009 (a big increase)
The numbers speak for themselves. The causes do as well. What about the cyclists? What about the injuries? These can range from mild to moderate to severe and even to death.
- Traumatic brain injuries (some recoverable, many not)
- Fractures (from simple to complex, recoverable to permanent impairment)
- Lacerations (simple cuts to major life threatening)
- DEATH
Hire a lawyer you can trust to pursue fair compensation in a bicycle accident injury case. Call our Miami law office toll free at 877-662-5399 for a free initial consultation. You can also contact us online and we’ll get back to you shortly to discuss your accident.
