Bicycling is one of the most beneficial forms of exercise you can do for your health. It not only strengthens your heart and lungs but also builds muscles and prevents you from developing common conditions that restrict your mobility.
There are many risks involved in riding a bicycle. Bicycle accidents occur every day. There are many dangers for cyclists on the roads, from potholes to drivers who don’t give enough space and negligent drivers.
Bicycle accident statistics
Despite the fact that campaigns are being launched to educate cyclists and motorists about how to live together on the roads safely and effectively,
According to the National Safety Council the number of bicycle-related deaths prevented in 2020 increased by 16 percent and there has been a 44% increase in the number bicycle-related deaths over the past decade. Despite a decline in preventable non-fatal injuries between 2011 and 2020 of 39%, they increased by 5 percent in the last 2 years.
As you might expect, injuries and deaths tend to rise during warmer months when more people take advantage of the great weather to ride their bikes. Riders who ride on roads with poor maintenance or heavy traffic are more likely to be in an accident.
How paralyzing injuries were sustained by an athlete
Bradley was on his bicycle when he was in an accident that resulted in him suffering a severe spinal injury, which left him paralysed. Bradley can’t recall everything that happened that fateful day, so the details of those events are still unclear.
Bradley knows that he was on an afternoon ride and attempted to pass the vehicle parked at the side of the road. He was trying to make what is now considered a safe pass when a minivan parked on the side of the road made contact with his bike.
He was thrown off his bike and into the air by the collision. Then he hit the trunk of the vehicle. The woman driving the minivan fled the scene, but she returned to the scene to check with police about the incident.
Bradley was wearing a safety helmet but it cracked due to the impact. Bradley recalls that his consciousness was intact, but he couldn’t seem to move his eyes. Soon after, doctors found out that Bradley had quadriplegia from his spinal cord injury. He now needs a wheelchair to move around.
Bradley keeps his positive outlook on his life today. He’s decided to keep certain details about his accident secret to protect the people involved from being scrutinized.
How to keep safe while riding a bicycle
Bradley was able to do many things right the day of the accident. He was wearing a helmet, signaled to other vehicles that he was changing his position and was wearing a helmet. Bradley sustained serious injuries but these precautions may have saved his life.
Safety precautions can help avoid injuries or death in many cases. Every cyclist should include these strategies in their riding plans.
- Wear a helmet that is DOT approved
- All traffic signals and signs must be observed
- You can outfit your bike with lights and horns, as well as side mirrors.
- Use hand signals to change lanes and stop.
- Before you ride, inspect your bike.
- Limit distractions
- Stay alert and be prepared for dangers
Summarized from an article by MVP Accident Attorneys.
