Bicycle Fatalities on the Rise
I’m Ed Smith, an Oceanside bike accident lawyer. According to statistics by the University of California’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, there were 569 collisions in Oceanside in 2013, 36 of which were bicycle collisions. Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that an increase of 12.2 percent of bicyclists around the country died as the result of an accident in 2015 over the number of deaths in 2014. The statistics released included not only bicyclists but other types of pedalcyclists, including unicycles.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 2015, NHTSA showed that 818 bicycle riders died because of accidents with motor vehicles. This represented 2.3 percent of traffic fatalities from motor vehicles and a large increase from those who died in 2014. Researchers concluded that there were certain characteristics that increased the risk of a bicycle accident.
- The age of the rider was a factor. From 2006 to 2015, the age of the rider who was killed increased from an average of 41 years old to 45 years old.
- Riding a bicycle during evening rush hours increased the risk of a fatality, and the hours were specific. More bicyclists were killed between the hours of 6:00-9:00 p.m.
- Riding a bicycle in a bike lane increased safety. Only 3 percent of bicyclist fatalities occurred while riding in a bike lane.
- Riding a bicycle in an urban area is more dangerous. About 70 percent of fatalities occurred in areas that were urban.
- Male riders are much more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than females. Male riders represented 88 percent of the fatalities.
- Non-intersections were much more dangerous for bicycle riders than intersections. Over 60 percent of bicycle fatalities occurred away from intersections.
Requirements for Bicycles in California
Bicycle laws in California are specific as to requirements for a bicycle itself and how a rider is allowed to use bike lanes and manage riding through traffic. More specific information can be found at the website for the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Bikes must be equipped with a lamp in the front that can be visible 300 feet away.
- A red reflector must be mounted on the rear that is visible 500 feet away.
- The bike must be equipped with a working brake.
- Helmets are required for riders under the age of 18.
- Yellow or white reflectors must be on both sides of a bicycle, either on the pedals or on a rider’s ankles or shoes. These must be visible 200 feet away.
Riding a Bike
- Use hand signals when preparing to turn to signal others on the road.
- Ride in the same direction as the traffic flow.
- Use bicycle lanes when they are present.
- When it is necessary to use a traffic lane, stay near the middle to avoid vehicles trying to pass.
- Obey traffic signs.
- Approach intersections from the right.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
An accident between a bicycle and a motor vehicle can cause serious injuries such as brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. This can result in high medical bills, lost time from work and other expenses. When faced with mounting medical bills, a seasoned injury lawyer can help by gathering all the evidence in the case, preparing documentation of those expenses due to the accident and seeking financial recovery.
Oceanside Bike Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Oceanside bike accident lawyer. When you or a family member has suffered an injury in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, please phone me at (760) 509-8818 or at my toll-free number (800) 404-5400. I can give you friendly and free advice regarding your situation.
I have helped injured California residents, suffering from a traumatic injury or family member’s wrongful death for 35 years, including those in Oceanside and San Diego County, to recover fair financial remedy to pay their bills and provide compensation for their pain and suffering.
For information on different types of personal injuries, please feel free to look over my website, autoaccident.com. I am the owner and founded the website.
Find client reviews and comments at Google, Yelp and Avvo. The verdicts and settlements page offers results about some previous cases.
I belong to a forum called the Million Dollar Advocates, which allows membership from trial attorneys who have won settlements/verdicts of at least $1 million for prior clients.
Photo Attribution: cycling-655565_1280.jpg
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