As more and more people become concerned about the environment – and the cost of gas – more people are taking up bicycling. Some use their bike for recreation while others replace their car with it. In California, millions of people ride their backs. For these and other reasons, many people are shocked and worried about the newest statistics on fatal bike accidents.
Just how much have the statistics risen?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studied the data and the results were not good. Back in 2006, 772 people died from injuries sustained during a bike accident. 44,000 people were injured due to bike accidents. The most recent data the NHTSA has compiled shows that in 2015, the number of fatal bike accidents was 818 and 45,000 people were injured while on bikes.
This shows us that there was a 6% increase in bike fatalities between 2006 and 2015, and a 2.3% rise in bike accidents that led to injuries. This is startling and concerning enough, but there’s another stat to worry about: When compared with the stats from 2014 – just one year prior – the number of fatalities when up a shocking 14%.
Not enough is being done to protect cyclists
There is one thing we know for sure from reading these statistics: There isn’t enough being done to protect cyclists. Not only are there more accidents every year, but there are more fatal accidents each year than the year before. Why is this? At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we have a few ideas. No matter the reason, these accidents shouldn’t happen. If a loved one lost their life in a bike accident then you may be entitled to damages. Reach out to us at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation to learn more.
The reasons bike accidents are so likely to be fatal
The reality is that bicyclists are simply very vulnerable to being hit by cars. They can wear clothing to help drivers better see them, but inevitably a driver can just not check their blind spot one time and the result can be senseless death. A bicyclist can wear helmets and other safety gear, but this is no match for a car traveling 50 miles per hour. As a result, it’s common for a bike accident to be fatal.
Drivers have a responsibility to bicyclists
It’s certainly not true that drivers are always responsible for bike accidents but they often are. This is why every drive on the road must keep an eye out for people on bikes. If they see them, they should make sure that they keep an eye on them. They should always check side mirrors and rear view mirrors. It’s that simple.
What to do if you’ve lost someone in a fatal bike accident
This is one of the most painful things you’ll ever have to go through. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we understand how hard it is. We also understand that if the accident was even partially the fault of someone else, that they should be held accountable. Reach out to us today at 909-982-0707 and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free legal consultation.
