There are many reasons people turn to bicycles as a healthier and more affordable solution to their commute, whether it is for work or down the street to grab some coffee. Biking is considered by many to be a safer alternative to driving. The Department of Transportation reported in a 2017 survey that bicycle trips only make up 1% of all trips in the United States. However, thousands of bicyclists are injured or killed every year on our nation’s roads.
The CDC estimates that the cost of injuries and deaths resulting from bicycle accidents typically exceeds $23 billion each year in the United States. These expenses include spending on lost work productivity, health care, loss of enjoyment of life, and death.
Recent Bicycle Accident Data
- Over 130,000 people are injured in the United States every year from bike accidents.
- In 2019, there were 846 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in the United States, a decline of 3 percent from 871 in 2018.
- Bicyclist deaths accounted for 2.3 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2019.
Who is at a higher risk for bicycle accidents?
- The age group with the highest rate of bicycle-related deaths are adults ranging from 50 to 59 years old.
- One-third of bicycle-related injuries treated in emergency rooms are from individuals aged 10-29.
- Male bicyclists are six times more likely to die from bicycle-related accidents and five times more likely to suffer from bicycle-related injuries than females.
- About one-third of bicycle-related accidents that result in bicyclist deaths involve the driver or bicyclist under the influence of alcohol.
How to reduce the risk of bicycle accidents
You may not be able to avoid a bike accident altogether. Still, some precautions can be taken to mitigate the severity of injuries and death. The most effective ways to reduce bicycle injuries and death include the following:
- Bicycle helmets mitigate the risk of head and brain injury in an accident. It is vital for anyone riding a bicycle to wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Bicycle Lights which typically consist of white front lights and rear red lights, can improve the visibility of bicyclists after dark.
- Retro-Reflective Clothing can help bicyclists be more visible in the nighttime.
- Bright Fluorescent Clothing can help bicyclists be more visible from far away during the day.
- Riding in designated bike lanes and away from busy streets.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, the best course of action to take is to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. If your accident involves a driver or another biker, it is essential to consult with a qualified bicycle accident attorney to ensure that your case is in good standing before filing an insurance claim.
At Eason and Tambornini, a Law Corporation, our expert Sacramento bicycle accident attorneys have handled countless cases and achieved favorable outcomes for our clients. To contact a member of our team and take advantage of your FREE no-obligation consultation today, pick up the phone and call us at 916-438-1819 to speak with a qualified bicycle accident attorney.
