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Statistics on Bicycle Accidents

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

 

 

Cycling has exploded in recent years and more bicycles are on the roadways for recreation, transportation, and to improve the environment. Unfortunately, as the number of bicycles on the roads has increased, so has the risk for bicycle-related accidents, many of which are severe and even deadly. While Illinois has come a long way by enacting specific laws that protect cyclists, with 26 cyclist deaths in 2017, Illinois was in the top 10 most dangerous states for those that ride bicycles.

At 844 See Mike, we represent clients in Illinois who have suffered personal injuries from a bicycle accident, as well as family members who have lost a loved one in a road accident caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of another person. We know that when a bicycle collides with a vehicle weighing at least 2,000 pounds, the odds are not in the cyclist’s favor and the results can be tragic.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is part of the Department of Transportation and not only writes and enforces safety standards and regulations but also maintains data on all vehicle-related statistics, including cycling data. In the most recent data available from the NHTSA, the 2017 statistics on bicycle accidents include the following:

  • There was a total of 37,133 traffic fatalities in the U.S., with 783 cyclist deaths, which was a decrease from 852 cyclist deaths in 2016.
  • The majority of cyclist deaths in traffic accidents occur in urban areas (75%).
  • The majority of these fatal accidents did not occur at intersections, instead of occurring on roadways, roadsides/shoulders, bike lanes, and parking lanes/zones.
  • Cyclist fatalities were slightly more common during the day (48%) compared to at night (47%), with the remaining accidents occurring during dawn and dusk.
  • The average age of cyclists killed is 47, which has steadily increased since 2001 when the average age was 41.
  • 89% of cyclists killed are male and children under the age of 15 accounted for 7% of all cyclist deaths.
  • Alcohol involvement of at least 0.01BAC was cited in 37% of traffic crashes that resulted in a cyclist’s death.
  • 96% of cyclists were killed in single-vehicle crashes.
  • Cyclists were struck by the front of a vehicle in 82% of fatal crashes.

In addition to these national statistics, Illinois had 26 cyclist fatalities in 2017, with 6 of these fatalities occurring in Chicago. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident through no fault of your own, you are entitled to compensation for your damages and injuries.

It’s important to consult with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against a reckless or negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation.

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Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.

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