Cycling is more appealing than ever. Society is beginning to realize that ditching their cars offers many benefits: it fosters a healthier lifestyle, eases your gas consumption, and connects you to a whole network of cyclists. Unfortunately, more cyclists means more accidents. In 2013, the American Medical Association reported that hospitalization because of bicycle injuries, nearly doubled since 2008. Its a daunting statistic.
Here are the most recent stats from 2014.
Adults are involved in more accidents than children.
In fact, the average age of individuals involved in a cycling accident is 45. According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the mortality rate of cyclists from 35-54 has tripled, despite child fatalities plummeting. Older people crashing on their bikes poses additional problems. If a 50 year old crashes at the same speed or style as someone who is 20, he or she will likely sustain greater injuries.
Helmets save your life.
- 60 percent of bicyclists killed in 2014 were not wearing helmets.
- Only 17 percent of people killed in bicycle accidents were wearing a helmet.
As bicycle attorneys, we see tragedies of avid cyclists whose lives were severely altered because they weren’t wearing a helmet. There are countless guides and tools to help you find the right helmet that fits you.
More accidents occur during the summertime.
This makes sense. Warmer weather draws out the masses. Its more pleasant to cycle during the summer, than in frigid winter temperatures. August, September, and October represented the highest concentration of bicycle fatalities (11 percent). June and July were slightly lower.
If you have been involved in a biking accident and have sustained injuries, contact us today! A serious injury can change your life and getting help can can make it a little better. We are experienced Utah Bike Lawyers and we will help you receive the compensation you deserve.