Did you know that more than two-thirds of cyclists killed in bicycle accidents in the U.S. over the last year were not wearing helmets at the time of their crash?
This alarming statistic comes on the heels of a study conducted by Washington State University that found that there was a 14 percent greater risk of head injuries to cyclists in cities that have bike-sharing programs.
“I would personally suggest folks err on the side of caution and use safety devices like bike helmets,” said Janessa Graves, an assistant professor at Washington State’s College of Nursing, who led the study, according to the Washington Post.
The study found that in the cities it monitored, the cities that did not have bike share programs saw the number of head injuries actually decline by 2.3 percent among cyclists. The Post reported that there are currently no U.S. bike sharing programs that provide helmets to riders.
Again, if you are riding a bike make sure you do the following:
- Avoid making U-Turns in the middle of the road
- Wear protective and reflective clothing like gloves and pants
- Wear a helmet
- Use lights at night
- Use bicycle lanes when directed
Who Should I Speak to If My Loved One Is Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
Bicycle accidents have dreadful consequences, including death and serious personal injuries, like broken bones, head injuries and spinal cord injuries.
All of these injuries require rehabilitation and therapy, which is costly. This is why you will need compensation. Let our attorneys hold the driver who caused your injuries in a bicycle accident liable.
Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.
Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys
Did You Know: 89 percent of cyclists who died in bike accidents in 2010 were 16 or older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.