Florida is considered one of the most dangerous states in regards to fatal bicycle accidents. However, one of the best ways to avoid a devastating injury or death is to wear a helmet whenever you step foot on the pedals. While they’re not the most stylish or comfortable option, helmets are the best way to avoid sustaining a traumatic brain injury when an accident occurs. Out of thousands of deaths which occur annually from bicycling, as well as motorcycle riding, over 75% of deaths and over 85% of all bike-related injuries could’ve been prevented if helmets were worn.
The following are statistics based on helmet-use when riding bicycles:
- About three-quarters of accident fatalities involve head injuries
- Helmet use for bicyclists contribute to 13% of serious injuries and 3% of deaths
- Cyclists who don’t wear helmets are 14 times more likely to die when involved in a bicycle accident
- Based on a report by the National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior, only 50% of cyclists wear helmets every so often, compared to 35% who wear helmets every time they ride their bicycle
- Annually, bicycle head injuries which require hospitalization is the most common head injury case compared to playing sports, horseback riding, and snowboarding
- According the U.S. Department of Transportation, fatal accidents typically occur in urban areas (68%) as opposed to intersections (66%)
- Only one accident resulted in death when a motor vehicle collided with a bicyclists in a marked bike lane
- 92% of all bicyclist deaths involved a motor vehicle, with 32% involving large vehicles such as trucks and busses
It’s up to everyone to be aware of the dangers when riding a bicycle, as well as inform and educate those who rely on riding their bicycle to conduct daily activities. Based on the statistics, it demonstrates that wearing a helmet makes a different between life and death.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident and sustained serious injuries, contact our Tampa Bay personal injury attorney for help and request a free consultation today.