The High Risk of Bicycle Crash Accidents in the Sunshine State
Fox 13 News recently reported that Tampa police officers are still investigating a deadly crash involving a bicyclist on a recent Sunday morning. The victim was hit by a blue Toyota sedan as he was crossing the intersection around 4:30 AM. He then had to be rushed to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
How Dangerous Can Bicycle Accidents Be?
In 2017, there were 783 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And unfortunately, Floridians led the way in bicycle crash fatalities the year before, so much so that over four percent of Florida’s total traffic fatalities involved bicyclists that year. This was higher than any other state.
Why is the Risk So High for Bicyclists in Florida?
While there is no particular reason that can justify the high number of accidents that occur here, there are several possible factors that likely contribute to the large number of bicycle crashes here in the Sunshine State.
- The weather. We all enjoy the beautiful year-round weather offered here in the Sunshine State. However, the fact that the weather in most of the state remains almost all the time is also a probable attraction to bicyclists. The more bicyclists on the road, the higher the risk of injury.
- The tourists. From its world-renowned amusement parks to the scenic South Florida beaches that mimic those on a Caribbean island, it is easy to understand why Florida is a magnet for drivers who are in the state temporarily as tourists. However, drivers who are unfamiliar with the area are unaware of popular biking areas and can miss bicyclists, especially when they are riding in areas not designated for bicyclists.
- The aging population. Florida is also a popular place for older Americans and international transplants, some of who arrive every winter to escape the cold back home and others who make the Sunshine State their year-round residence. However, in addition to the fact that older transplants are less likely to be familiar with their surroundings, they may also have other physical and mental challenges that make it more difficult to avoid pedestrians while driving.
Have You Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Allow Us to Help You.
Unfortunately, there are many factors that likely contribute to the elevated risk of an accident for bicyclists in Florida and, sadly, it is not unusual for tragic results to follow these kinds of collisions. Experienced personal injury attorneys understand that bicycle accidents happen – and that the responsible party should be held accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident due to the fault of someone else, we can help. The Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are experienced in helping people like you recover the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
fox13news.com/news/local-news/police-investigate-after-bicyclist-fatally-struck-in-tampa
