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.