As a cyclist, you need to focus on many issues with respect to road safety. Aside from road conditions, you need to think about other risk factors, such as drunk drivers, dangerous intersections and various hazards that can increase the likelihood of an accident. Sadly, bike accidents claim the lives of many cyclists every year, and an accident could also leave you with a devastating injury.
If you are already dealing with the aftermath of a bike accident, you need to have a clear understanding of the resources available to you that could help with your recovery.
Statistical data on bike accidents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published data on bike accident injuries and fatalities. According to CDC data, bike accidents lead to almost 1,000 fatalities and more than 130,000 injuries on an annual basis in the U.S. Cyclists between the ages of 55 and 69 are the most likely to lose their lives, while cyclists between 10 and 24 are especially likely to suffer injuries.
A majority of fatal bike accidents occur on roads in urban locations, and alcohol plays a role in roughly one out of every three fatal bike accidents.
Recovering from a bike accident
The CDC goes over some safety guidelines you can use to reduce the chances of an accident, such as using reflective materials at night and wearing fluorescent clothes in the day. Unfortunately, regardless of the preventative measures you take, a reckless driver could collide with you.
As a cyclist, you are very vulnerable on the road. When an accident occurs, you need to gather as much evidence as possible and stand up for the rights you have.
