If you frequently bike to get exercise or because it is a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, it is crucial to understand the risks you face near traffic. On a bicycle, you become particularly vulnerable around moving vehicles, and you should go over statistics on bike accidents in order to understand the consequences of these incidents.
Tragically, negligent drivers collide with cyclists and cause many devastating accidents each year.
Statistics on bicycle accidents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that bicycle accidents cause more than 130,000 people to sustain injuries and result in the loss of almost 1,000 lives on an annual basis. Even though bicycle trips only represent 1% of all trips across the U.S., cyclists account for more than 2% of those who lose their lives in accidents that involve motor vehicles.
The CDC states that male cyclists have a higher chance of suffering injuries and dying in comparison to female cyclists, and those between 10 and 24 suffer more bike accident injuries when compared to other age groups. Furthermore, those between 55 and 69 have the highest rates of bike accident fatalities.
Recovering from a bicycle accident
Aside from serious injuries, bike accidents cause significant financial hardships. In the U.S., these accidents generate more than $23 billion during a typical year as a result of medical care, missed work, funeral expenses and other costs. Whether you have to deal with debilitating injuries, lost wages or other problems, it is pivotal to focus on your recovery following a bicycle accident.
