Bicycle Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Written By Richard Hastings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's, (NHTSA), most recent study reported that 618 pedalcyclists were killed and another 52,000 were injured in motor vehicle traffic accidents. For purposes of the report, a pedalcyclist is defined as a bicycle, riders of two wheeled non motorized vehicles, tricycles and unicycles powered solely by pedals. Cyclist deaths accounted for 2 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2010. The number of cyclist fatalities reported in 2010 was 2 percent lower than the 628 cyclist fatalities reported the year before.  

In 2010, the average age of a cyclists killed in a traffic accident was 42. The average age of a cyclist killed in a motor vehicle accident has been increasing steadily for the past 10 years. Fatal auto accidents involving that a cyclist occurred 72 percent of the time in urban areas and 20 percent of the time in rural areas. Additionally, non-intersection fatalities occurred 67 percent of the time while non-intersection fatalities occurred 33 percent of the time.  It is interesting to note the times during which these fatalities occurred which can be broken down as follows: 28 percent of these fatalities occurred between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; 25 percent  between 8 p.m. and 12 p.m.; 17 percent from noon to 4; 13 percent from 8 a.m. to noon; 11 percent from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.; and 7 percent from midnight until 4 a.m.

The report also indicates that cyclists under 16 accounted for 11 percent of all fatalities and 21 percent of all of those injured in traffic accidents in 2010. These figures have decreased significantly from the 2001 statistics which indicate fatalities of 21 percent and injuries of 38 percent for the same age group. On the other hand, accidents involving a cyclist from ages 25 to 64 was 16 percent higher in 2010 as compared with 2001 representing 65 percent of all fatalities and 56 percent of all injuries in motor vehicle accidents. So what are some of the things that we can do to increase safety awareness and reduce deaths and serious injuries as a result of repetitive cycle accidents? The NHTSA provides the following important safety reminders:

• All cyclists should wear a properly fitting safety helmet every time they go out for a ride. A properly fitted safety helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injuries resulting from a cycle crash.
• Bicyclists should be aware of the fact that they are considered vehicle operators and are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including complying with traffic signals, street signs and lane markings. Bicyclists should also ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Bicyclists should wear brightly colored or reflective clothing to increase their visibility to drivers while on the road. It is important while operating a bicycle at night that a front light and a reflector or flashing rear light be utilized as well as reflective tape or reflective markings on the bicycle, helmet or clothing;
• You should not consume alcohol before riding a bicycle, for obvious reasons, as almost 25 percent of all fatal bicycle accidents in 2010 involved alcohol consumption on the part of the bicyclist.
• Drivers of motor vehicles should be aware of the fact that they need to share the road with bicyclists. A motor vehicle operator should allow at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist on the road, should yield to cyclists at intersections and be especially watchful for cyclists when making turns. Motor vehicle operators should also be on the lookout for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.

As the weather continues to get warmer, more and more of us will be riding our bicycles so it is important to keep in mind the fact that that although this can be very enjoyable and healthy activity, the opportunity to be involved in a very serious accident is ever present. Be mindful of your surroundings, operate your bicycle safely, be on the lookout for others and follow the safety tips that have been set suggested by the NHTSA. Have fun, but above all be safe!