During the months of summer, bicycle-related fatalities increase, which is why you should learn about important injury-prevention strategies before you attempt to go for your next bike ride. Bicycling is an excellent way for adults and children to stay active and healthy, but unfortunately, bicyclists are vulnerable to serious injuries during an accident because they don’t have the same level of protection as drivers in motor vehicles.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), adults die more frequently in bicyclist-motor vehicle crashes than children, making up 88% of reported bicyclist fatalities in 2015. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that head injuries made up one-third of non-fatal bicyclist injuries in 2013. 54% of fatal bicycle accidents reported in 2015 involved a rider who wasn’t wearing a helmet, while 29% involved riders wearing helmets. Despite these statistics, more than 50% of adults claim to never wear a helmet when they go for a bike ride.
In addition to wearing a helmet to reduce head injuries, bicyclists should also take the following safety measures whenever they share the road with motor vehicles and pedestrians:
- Never ride a bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reduce your speed when approaching high-traffic areas
- Avoid distractions that take your eyes away from the road
- Always signal and make eye contact with other drivers when turning or changing lanes
Talk to Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
Have you been involved in a serious accident while you were riding a bike? Our lawyers at Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC are here to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are fully protected. We know how difficult it is to deal with a personal injury lawsuit while you are trying to recover from your injury, which is why we will handle every aspect of your case.
Call us today at (607) 228-8404 to schedule your free initial case evaluation.