Unfortunately, bike accidents are all too common. Many people who ride have no idea that there are some serious risk factors that can make them much more likely to be involved in a bike accident. Keep reading to learn what six factors we are discussing and then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you are in need of a free legal consultation from an experienced attorney.
- A Person’s Sex
- A Person’s Age
- Alcohol
- Time of Day
- Where a Person is Riding
- Helmets
Statistics show that a man is six times as likely to be involved in a fatal bike accident than a woman is. A man is four times as likely as a woman to be injured while riding a bike. The numbers for boys and girls are similar. Across the board, males are more likely to be injured or killed in bike accidents than females.
Most people, if they were asked to guess, would suggest that people in their teens and twenties were the most likely to be involved in a fatal bike accident. This is far from the truth. In fact, the age demographic most likely to be killed in a bike accident is those between 50 and 59 years old. When it comes to non-lethal bike accidents, children five to 19 years old have the highest rate of accidents.
According to the most recent statistics, more than one in three fatal bike accidents involve either a vehicle driver or bike rider who is under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, many bike riders assume that it is okay to ride while drinking when it fact it is both illegal and dangerous.
The vast majority of bike accidents occur between 4 PM and 8 PM. Why? Because there are both more bikes and more vehicles on the road. Does this mean that you should never ride between these hours? No, but it does mean you should take extra care during these hours.
Most fatal bike accidents occur in urban areas. They are also more likely to happen at a non-intersection area. In fact, about 70% of all fatal accidents occur in urban areas. Again, there are more riders in these areas but that does not account for the huge number of accidents in these areas.
Of course, a helmet cannot prevent a bike accident but it can significantly affect how likely a person is to be seriously injured or killed in a bike accident. Whether or not it is legal to ride without a helmet in your area, it is always advised to do so – even if you are only traveling a short distance.
Have You Been Injured in a Bike Accident?
If you have been injured in a bike accident and require advice from a personal injury attorney then we invite you to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. We can listen to the facts and determine your best way forward.
