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THE RECENT EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON BICYCLE ACCIDENTS
Because auto accident statistics include information from a variety of government and insurance sources, they take some time to compile. As a result, the latest numbers are usually two years behind.
When COVID-19 first impacted the United States in early 2020, record numbers of people were turning to bicycling as a new means of exercise and transportation. In larger cities with mass transportation, many people have found bike riding as an alternative means of commuting and transportation due to social distancing benefits of riding alone. The resulting record levels of bike sales means there are more people than ever sharing the road with other forms of transportation – meaning a potential increase in bicycle accidents in the months and years ahead.
BETTER UNDERSTANDING BICYCLE ACCIDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES
According to recent data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, we know the following:
Each year there are more than 45,000 bicycle accidents in the United States. Even though motorists are required to share the road with cyclists, there are still over 850 bicyclists killed in crashes with motor vehicles EACH year – a number that has been on the rise in recent years.
Statistics also show that bicycle accident tend to happen more frequently and often result in more serious injuries in many of our nation’s largest cities. In fact, 75% of all bicycle related deaths take place in these larger cities.
The US cities that tend to have the highest total number bicycle deaths per year include: Los Angeles CA, Phoenix AZ, Houston TX, New York NY, San Jose CA, Chicago IL, San Antonio TX, San Jose CA, Austin TX, Jacksonville FL, and Charlotte NC. US States with the highest total number of bicycle fatalities include: Florida, California, Texas, New York, North Carolina, Arizona, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Michigan.
30% of all bicycle accident related injuries happen with a bicyclist is struck by a car or truck. Drivers who are negligent and/or distracted while driving are more likely to get into an accident with a bicyclist.
Contrary to what some may believe, the vast majority (63%) of bicycle fatalities do not occur at an intersection versus that that do (27%).
Over half (52%) of all bicycle fatalities happened at low or nighttime conditions when motorists are less likely to see bicyclists on the road – the most dangerous times of which tend to happen from 6-9PM.
Among the total of all bicyclists killed, around 96% of bicyclists involved only one other vehicle and 82% of the time the cyclists were struck by the front of a vehicle. The majority (44%) of those killed were struck by a light truck followed by passenger cars (37%), SUV’s (19%), and pickup trucks (18%).
The average age of bicyclists killed by a motor vehicle as increased from 41 back in 2008 to 47 in 2017.
NEW TYPES OF BICYCLES ARE INCREASING IN SPEED
With the growing innovation of new types of bicycles on the market, an increasing number of people are now using Electric Bicycles (or E-Bikes) that provide a hybrid of electric motor power and peddling which can currently reach top speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. The benefits of greater speed at less effort is currently appealing to many but can also result in cycling accidents of greater severity.
Other types of personal “micro-mobility” transportation options that are growing in popularity include scooters, electric mopeds, one-wheeled skateboards, etc. Much like e-bikes, many of these alternative forms of transportation can move at high speeds and result in serious injuries to their users – especially in the age of distracted motorists and cities and states that that still lack planning and infrastructure to better support alternative means of transportation.
CONTACT TRUSTED LAWYERS FOR BICYCLE ACCIDENT INJURIES
Even if you've been in injured in a bicycle accident, navigating the legal landscape to get yourself the best settlement possible is a very uphill battle. You'll need the best attorney possible so they can get all of the facts in your case and use them to the best of your advantage.
With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to understand how people get overwhelmed. To get the help you deserve, contact the Law Leaders today for a free consultation.
The Law Leaders are a nationwide group of lawyers and law firms with experience in personal traumatic injuries. Our lawyers will stand by you through thick and thin, until you and your family get the justice you deserve.