The Reality Of A Fatal Bicycle Accident In Fort Lauderdale
People who ride bikes are faced with the challenge of riding close to fast-paced traffic. Because bicycles move slower than motor vehicles and don’t have any protection like cars do, those who ride bicycles are vulnerable to being hit by moving motor vehicles.
Even if bike lanes are present and utilized, a bicyclist is still at risk of being in a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale since he or she is smaller, slower, and harder to see. Sadly, many accidents involving cars and bikes often end in serious injuries or fatal injuries for the cyclist involved.
In 2011, 677 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle accidents, and 48,000 were injured across this nation. In 2012, the last year in which information is available, 726 bicyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles and 49,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Unfortunately, these statistics indicate that serious and fatal bicycle accidents are increasing.
Who Is Likely Causing These Fatal Bicycle Accidents on South Florida Roads?
Because all drivers and bicyclists can make mistakes on the roadway, these catastrophic bike accidents could be the cause of multiple parties. For example, there are many factors that could increase the chances of a deadly bicycle crash, such as:
- Drivers who run red lights
- Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way
- Drivers who are distracted and veer off the road
- Drivers who are drunk or impaired by drugs
- Drivers who are driving drowsy
Unfortunately, bicyclists are at risk for being in a serious crash with a vehicle, especially if a cyclist spends a lot of time around traffic. Additionally, cyclists should know that the worst time of day they could be on the road is between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7:59 p.m., according to NHTSA. This is likely due to the fact that drivers are in a hurry to get home after a long day at the office. If a cyclist does have to be on the road during these times, it is very important that a bicyclist look out for red-light runners.
According to the Safer Roads Report 2014: Trends in Red-Light Running from the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR), afternoons between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. is the most frequent time of the day that drivers of cars run red lights. Additionally, drivers who run red lights did so more on Fridays than any other day.
Although it is good to be aware of these facts, nothing takes away the fact that when a driver is negligent at the wheel, he or she could kill an innocent bicyclist. If your loved one died in a bike crash, it is in your best interest to get your case evaluated by an experienced accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale.
Contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at 954-677-0155 for a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights.
