Bicycling is a fun, healthy, environmentally-friendly way to get around town. However, bicyclists are at a much greater risk of injury than motorists. This is because bikes provide much less protection than a traditional vehicle and, as such, even a minor bicycle accident can have devastating consequences.
Below, our Kansas City and Topeka personal injury attorneys discuss the most dangerous areas for bicyclists to ride.
Bike Accident Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 1,000 bicyclist deaths and nearly 467,000 bicycle-related injuries in 2015 alone. Bicycle accidents are more likely to occur in certain areas than others. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):- Bicyclist deaths occur most often between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Bicyclist deaths occur most often in urban areas (75%) compared to rural (25%).
- Bicyclist deaths are 8 times higher for males than females.
- Alcohol is involved in 37% of all fatal bicyclist crashes.
Can You Prevent Bike Accidents?
Since many bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles, bicyclists are not always able to prevent them from happening. However, there are some safety measures you can take as a bicyclist to enhance your safety on your next ride, including the following:- Always wear a helmet when riding.
- Ride a bike that works and that fits your body shape.
- Wear equipment to protect you and make you visible to others.
- Carry items in a bag strapped to the bike, rather than in your hands.
- Tuck and tie your loose laces and pant legs.
Injured in a Bike Accident? We’re Here to Help
Even taking all of these safety precautions will not prevent every bike accident. If you have been injured in a bike accident that wasn’t your fault, our team at DiPasquale Moore can protect your rights and help you recover compensation from liable parties.Contact DiPasquale Moore at (816) 888-7500 to schedule a free consultation.