Annually, about half a million bicycle related injuries
occur. In addition, according to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, a bicyclist is killed
approximately every six hours. However, most bicycle
crashes are predictable and preventable by using proper
precautions on the part of both the bicyclists and
motorists.
Types of Bicycle Crashes
Falls and Collisions
Over 50 percent of bike crashes are the result of falls.
Falls commonly occur either when the front wheel suddenly
stops moving or when the rear wheel slides out. The front
wheel can stop if it falls into a road defect, such as a
crack or drain grate, or if the front brakes are applied
very hard. Rear wheels can skid out when turning on gravel,
sand, ice, metal surfaces, or any slippery surface.
After falls, the most frequent type of bike accidents are
collisions with a stationary object, such as trees. Falls
and collisions with fixed objects account for about 75 to
80 percent of all bicycle crashes.
Car-Bicycle Crashes
Car-bike crashes account for between about ten to 15
percent of bicycle accidents but result in the largest
number of fatalities. Most of these accidents occur when
either the bicyclist or the motorist is turning or crossing
at an intersection or driveway. Other car-bike crashes
occur when the bicyclist is not obeying traffic laws and is
cycling on the wrong side of the road or running red lights.
Bicycle Crash Injuries
Injuries from bicycle crashes are most often to the limbs,
and include fractures, abrasions, and lacerations.
Fractures account for about 25 percent of bike crash
injuries, and facial injuries account for about one third
of injuries. The most severe and disabling injuries are
brain injuries, which can result in a permanent disability.
Head injuries are also more likely to be fatal.
What To Do When In a Bike-Car Crash
To the extent possible and practical to avoid further
accidents or injuries after a bicycle crash, do the
following:
* Do not move if you are seriously injured. Wait for
medical help.
* Accept medical help, even if you do not feel severely
injured.
* Wait for the police so an accident report can be filed
with statements from witnesses, and the at-fault driver,
and the crash scene investigated.
* Leave damaged property and equipment as it was until
police arrive.
* Contact a personal injury lawyer who understands
bicycling.
Bicycle Safety and Crash Prevention
Not surprisingly, helmets can protect again head injuries -
both brain injuries and upper facial injuries. Studies show
that about 75 percent of bicyclists who were severely brain
injured were not wearing helmets. To provide proper
protection, helmets must be fitted correctly.
Although helmets can protect against head injury, they do
not protect from getting hit by cars! To help prevent
personal injury, bicyclists must use common sense and
remain alert when cycling on roads to avoid crashes with
cars. Although drivers should be more attentive to the
presence of bicyclists, the odds of injury favor the
bicyclist. This is why it is so important to follow some
basic common sense prevention guidelines which include:
* Follow the law - ride on the right side of road; stop at
stop signs and red lights; use a headlight at night (also
beneficial in the day).
* Avoid stopping in the blind spot of a car at a red light.
You can be hit if it turns right and you go straight.
* Use a bell or horn to signal or alert drivers of your
presence.
* Use a headlight and a rear light, especially at night.
* Use a mirror to glance at traffic behind, especially when
approaching intersections.
* Be attentive and alert to the cars. Watch for left
turning cars crossing in front that may not see you, and
pay attention to parked cars for which a door may open.
* Slow down so you can stop quickly if necessary.
* Avoid riding on sidewalks.
* Avoid busy streets, especially as a novice rider.
If you have been injured in a bike crash, you may be
eligible for compensation. Contact an experienced bike
accident attorney for more information on a potential bike
injury claim.
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