There is no question that the number of bike accidents is increasing year over year. There is no question that the number of fatal bike accidents is on the rise too. What is in question is how these numbers can be reduced. To that end, the National Transportation Safety Board believes that significant policy change is needed. Continue reading to find out more and contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
The NTSB Has Ideas for Major Policy Overhaul
While no one wants to see so many bike accidents, there is good news: The NTSB has a plan that they believe can help. They came up with the updated policy after completing the first bike safety study they have done since 1972. Some of the things they want include:
- New standards for bicyclist visibility
- Safer road design
- Measures to increase the rollout of various crash avoidance systems that can detect bike riders
- The passage of laws in all states that require bike riders of all ages to wear helmets
They say that these changes could result in big reductions in the number of bike accidents and bike rider fatalities.
The Facts About Bike Accidents
Just how serious is this issue? Consider that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there were more than 850 fatal bike accidents in 2018 – which is a 38% increase from 2010. In fact, it is the highest number of fatal bike accidents in the last three decades. Pedestrian accidents similarly rose by 46% in the same time period.
More Accidents Occur at Intersections but That is Not the Whole Picture
In recent years, there have been steps taken to protect bike riders in intersections – and for good reason: Most bike and car accidents happen at intersections. However, it is important to notice that collisions between bike riders and cars are most often fatal when in midblock. Why? Because vehicles are generally traveling faster midblock than they are at intersections.
Road Diets Are Also Recommended
Interestingly, it is often recommended that “road diets” are implemented. What does this mean? It means finding ways to reduce the number of travel lanes to make room for bike lanes. Doing so slows down vehicles in otherwise high-speed, high-volume areas. This has been officially recommended since 2012 but is rarely implemented.
Call Now for a Free Legal Consultation
If you have been injured in a bike accident we urge you to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. There is no risk to you and this is an entirely confidential consultation. Call now and we can get you the answers you need.
