Six hundred seventy seven individuals were killed in bicycle accidents in 2011. It is estimated that adults 45 years and older as well as minors, ages 15-24, have the highest bicycle death rates.
In 2010, an estimated 515,000 individuals went to emergency rooms for bicycle related injuries. Statistically 60% of these non-fatal bicycle accidents involve minor children. It is a simple fact that effective interventions eliminate or minimize deaths or serious injuries from bicycle accidents.
How to effectively reduce bicycle accidents and deaths caused by negligent drivers
The most effective intervention is to wear a bicycle helmet. Another is to wear fluorescent clothing, active lighting on the bike and retro reflective clothing for night riding. All of these will reduce chances of an accident with a motor vehicle. In addition, many bicycle organizations offer safe tips for traveling on the roadway and how to deal with motor vehicles. But the simple truth is bicycle helmets protect brain injuries. In 2012, 65% of bicyclists killed were NOT wearing helmets.
With more and more individuals riding their bikes to and from work every day, the question remains just how safe is cycling. Cities and towns are creating more friendly roads for cyclist to share the roadway with motor vehicles. Bike lanes and changed traffic patterns are helping bicyclists against accidents with motor vehicles. But it is up to both the cyclist and driver to be more and more cognizant of the changing times.
A law firm with experience in personal injury law
Don and Charlie Ward are personal injury attorneys in Indianapolis, Indiana and represent persons injured in auto, motorcycle and truck accidents as well as pedestrian and bicycling accidents, medical malpractice and nursing home negligence claims. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident or killed as a the result of another person’s reckless or negligent behavior, give Don or Charlie Ward of Ward & Ward Law Firm a call today at 317-639-9501 for a free evaluation of your accident claim.
By Charlie Ward
Ward & Ward Law Firm 728 S Meridian St Indianapolis, IN 46225 317-639-9501