Bike Accident Statistics

Bicycling not only provides a great form of exercise, it is also invigorating. That is why so many people have been drawn to this popular recreational activity. As with most activities, cycling does carry some risks and bicycle injuries tend to be more severe than other types of accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compiled information regarding bicycle accidents and the associated injuries and deaths. According to the NHTSA, there were 698 bicyclist deaths in 2007, which accounted for 2 percent of all traffic deaths during that year. The NHTSA's report stated that since 1932, 52,000 cyclists have been killed in traffic accidents in the United States.

In California, there were 109 bicyclist fatalities in 2007, which was the second highest in the country.

Some of the other facts contained in the 2007 report include the following:

• 44,000 bicyclists were injured
• Cycling accidents occurred more frequently in urban areas
• Average age of bicyclist killed in accident was 40
• Average age of bicyclist injured in accident was 30
• Alcohol was reported as a factor in more than one-third of all bicyclist fatalities
• The majority of cyclists killed or injured were male

Why were so many people injured and killed in 2007 in bicycle accidents? There are many factors involved in these types of crashes including driver distraction, alcohol and other forms of negligence. Bicyclists are considered vehicle operators and drivers of motor vehicles must provide the necessary space when passing them. When other drivers fail to share the road with cyclists or make turns in front of their bikes, the risk of an accident increases.

If you have been injured in a bike accident, you need to contact an experienced Orange County bike accident attorney at the law office of Allen, Flatt, Ballidis & Leslie Inc. at 866-981-5596 for a free legal consultation.

* Source: NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis - Traffic Safety Facts: Bicyclists and Other Cyclists