Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Toledo

Each and every year, there is an increasing number of bicyclists in the United States. Some of these people regularly ride bicycles as a form of transportation. Many others ride simply as outdoor recreation. While biking is a pleasant and practical activity, it can quickly become dangerous if people do not take steps to protect themselves and others on the road. While not all of the causes of bicycle accidents in Toledo are the fault of the cyclist, there are things that you can do as a cyclist to avoid accidents. If you want to know more about bike accidents, or you have been in an accident and need experienced legal counsel, consult an attorney today.

Statistics Regarding Bicycle Accidents

Unfortunately, as many as 500,000 people each year end up in the emergency room due to bike accident-related injuries. A study reported by the journal Injury Prevention found that 3.8 million non-fatal bicycle injuries and 9,839 deaths had occurred from 1997 to 2013, causing the costs of bicycle injuries to rise steadily.

Among the key findings:

• The toll for bicycle injuries during the study period was $209 billion for non-fatal accidents and $28 billion for fatal injuries
• Annual costs over the study period increased by 137 percent for non-fatal injuries and 23 percent for fatal injuries
• There were approximately 6,500 more adult cycling injuries annually
• Medical costs increased by 137 percent for non-fatal bike crashes
• Bicycling deaths increased by an average of 19 cases a year
• Older riders accounted for a great proportion of total costs through time and a larger share of inpatient admission costs

In 2013, nearly 54 percent of the total costs of bicycle accidents were due to riders 45 and older, up from 26 percent in 1997, the researchers reported. Most of these injuries and fatalities resulted in traumatic brain injuries. Many of these injuries could have been avoided by using a helmet.

Common Causes of Accidents

Accidents can occur at any time and in any situation. However, there are a few situations in which preventable accidents occur more frequently. The causes of bicycle accidents in Toledo can include things like biking while intoxicated, failing to obey stop signs and traffic laws, and driving in low-visibility weather conditions.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents Involving Children

Driveway ride out accidents often occur when a child rides out of the driveway and into the roadway without looking or where their view or the view of oncoming traffic is obstructed in some manner. These accidents can be avoided by teaching children to stop before they enter the street and look in both directions. Parents can also reduce the risk of these accidents by clearing obstructions in line with the end of the driveway.

Failing to stop at stop signs is one of the other causes of bicycle accidents in Toledo. Children are generally unaware of traffic laws and the need to stop at stop signs when riding bicycles. They are also generally unaware of the dangers associated with failing to stop. Again, these accidents are preventable by teaching children that they must always stop and look for oncoming vehicles and only proceed when the coast is clear.

Visibility-Related Causes

A significant portion of biking accidents happen in the early evening. As it gets darker out, motorists have a more difficult time seeing cyclists. If it is raining or foggy, it can also affect a motorist’s visibility. Often, by the time the motorist sees the bicyclist, it is too late for them to avoid a collision.  The risk of these types of accidents can be reduced by avoiding riding in the dark if possible.When riding in less than ideal conditions, the cyclist must ensure they and their bike are visible.  Use of bright, reflective clothing, lamps and reflectors on the bike can help

Other Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

While it surprises many people, drinking and riding a bike on the roadway is against the law and it is dangerous. About one in five bicyclists killed have a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.

Next, to being hit by a car, falls are one of the most popular causes of bicycle accidents in Toledo. Falls can happen due to rider error, distraction, encountering uneven pavement or attempting to avoid an obstacle, such as a dog running out in front of the cyclist.

Even low speed falls on a bike can cause brain trauma. These types of accidents can be reduced by avoiding distractions with electronics or phones. By paying closer attention to the terrain. By not speeding, and by wearing a helmet. If you want to know more about steps you can take to protect yourself against bicycle accidents, get in touch with a qualified bike accident lawyer.