Florida Top State For Bicycle Fatalities
Florida is known for its sunny weather, making it ideal for bike riders. Unfortunately, though, when it comes to fatal bicycle accidents, Florida tops the list. From 2011 to 2020, the number of bicycle deaths has grown every year. It started at 682 fatalities and grew to 938 in 2020.
From 2011 to 2020, 1,428 Florida residents were killed in bicycle accidents. Based on the rate of fatalities per 100,000 people, Florida has the highest number of bicycle accident deaths in the United States. Most fatalities occurred in the 50 to 59 age range, typically in urban areas. In 2021, the numbers increased once again in Florida, with the state seeing a 12.7% increase in overall traffic fatalities.
While most of these fatalities occur due to bicycle and motor vehicle collisions, a bicyclist can also suffer serious injuries by colliding with another rider or a pedestrian. This has caused many cyclists to suffer brain injuries and require significant therapy and rehabilitation.
Also, where you bike is another factor that can determine your likelihood of getting into a crash. Contrary to popular belief, bike paths are not as safe as you may think. These paths have a lot of congestion, which means there is a greater chance of getting into a serious accident. However, being out on the roadway with motor vehicles is not much safer. Many motorists treat bike riders as second-class citizens. They often act aggressively and engage in reckless maneuvers to push them off the road.
Distraction is another issue that everyone on the road needs to be aware of. Even bike riders can be distracted if they have earbuds in their ears or are not paying attention to the road in other ways. They should be focusing on the roadways and this means being able to listen to what’s going on around them. They need to be able to hear cars and people around them to avoid crashes.
Helmet use is another issue. In Florida, there is no universal bike helmet law. Only those under the age of 16 are legally required to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards. However, any time a person rides a bike, scooter, or motorcycle, they should wear a helmet to protect their head. The risk of traumatic brain injury is great when a bike rider does not wear a helmet.
Contact Us Today
Bicycles can be fun to ride, but they’re not the safest mode of transportation. A person riding a bike can get seriously injured or killed by a motorist or even other bicyclists.
Injured in a bike crash? See how the Florida bicycle accident attorneys at Meldon Law can assist you with your claim. Get compensation for all your damages. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (800) 373-8000. We have four offices to serve you: Gainesville, Ocala, Fort Lauderdale, and Lake City.
Source:
local10.com/news/local/2022/09/21/florida-leads-the-nation-in-bicycle-related-deaths/
