If you regularly ride a bike, or have a child who often bikes near traffic, you need to go over the various hazards and focus on accident prevention. Sadly, even very cautious bicyclists become involved in serious traffic collisions due to reckless drivers. In some instances, these bike accidents lead to the loss of life.
When it comes to deadly traffic accidents, bicyclists are particularly vulnerable. The families of those who die deserve justice and should not hesitate to hold negligent drivers answerable.
Data on bicyclist deaths
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 846 bicyclists died in traffic accidents throughout 2019. A majority of these fatalities took place from 6 PM to 9 PM, but fatal bicycle accidents can occur at any time. Male cyclists lost their lives more frequently in comparison to female cyclists, and over three out of four of these deaths occurred on urban roads in 2019.
Bicycle accident risk factors
The NHTSA outlines different reasons why deadly bike accidents occur. Sometimes, drivers fail to yield, ignore speed limits or operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. As a bicyclist, you can wear bright and reflective clothing to help drivers see you. In addition, you should familiarize yourself with a route before biking. Sometimes, it makes sense to find a safer route far from traffic, such as a bike path.
Sadly, more bicyclists will die in the months ahead. The families of cyclists who lose their lives often have serious, long-term difficulties, such as permanent emotional trauma and financial hardships. If your family is in this position, carefully examine the options you have.
