Bicycle accident and injury statistics are less accurate than are those for cars, trucks and motorcycles because, in large part, law enforcement officials often do not write reports on them unless the cyclist is seriously injured or killed. Nevertheless, we know that about 700 cyclists are killed every year in the United States according to data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Non-fatal injuries are more difficult to estimate due to under-reporting, but NHTSA data places the number at about 45,000 annually.
Because cyclists are relatively unprotected from injury, they are among the most vulnerable groups of road users.
Drivers of automobiles, trucks and motorcycles have an obligation to share streets and highways safely with bicycle riders. Regrettably, however, other drivers can be inattentive and they fail to recognize the presence of those on bikes, or to give cyclists roadway rights equal to those driving motor vehicles.
The most common causes of bicycle accidents caused by motor vehicle drivers are:
- Failure to see the cyclist
- Inattention and distraction (including the use of cell phones and other electronic devices)
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield at intersections
- Driving while intoxicated
- Reckless driving
At O’Steen & Harrison, we understand the special requirements associated with handling bicycle accident cases. |
