When discussing a wrongful death incident, the first thing that may come to a Floridian’s mind is a crash in a car, truck or motorcycle. Some might think about an accident at work. However, another — seemingly healthy — activity is also dangerous, and that is bicycle riding. In fact, riding a bicycle in Florida has the highest frequency of fatal bicycle accidents in the United States.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that there are more fatal accidents involving bicycles in Florida than in any other state. Other states have taken steps to reduce the number of bicycle fatalities and have done so successfully. Florida, however, has not been able to significantly reduce the number. This information is simultaneous to the improved safety of bicycle riders across the country. The number of fatalities has reduced 44 percent per 100,000 people from 1975 to 1979 and 2008 to 2012. Children under the age of 15 have experienced the most drastic reduction in fatalities.
Twice the number of bicyclists are killed on the road when compared to those riding in a vehicle. To compound that information, the number of people who use a bicycle for transportation is 1 percent. The number of people in the age range of 35 to 74 who were killed rose substantially for the time that was studied by the CDC. The highest increase was in people between the ages of 35 and 54. That age group nearly tripled in the number of bicycle-related deaths. Males were six times as likely to die in a bicycle crash than females. In 2012 alone, 87 percent of bicycle fatalities involved males. In 1977, the number was 79 percent and rose to 90 percent in 2001.
Other factors must be taken into consideration when examining these numbers including the greater number of people who are choosing to use bicycles as a mode of transportation, how roads have been designed, the role of law enforcement in making certain traffic laws are followed and the safety precautions taken by bicyclists. Regardless of the numbers, the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident can result in emotional, personal and financial issues for the family. It is imperative that a full investigation be conducted to determine if the negligence of another caused the fatal accident. Consulting with a legal professional can assist with pursuing a case.
Source: fox13news.com, “Florida tops list of dangerous places for bicyclists,” Alcides Segui, Aug. 31, 2015
