Fatal bike accidents can happen all throughout the year, but studies have found that there are some clear trends to be aware of. For instance, the highest number of bicycle accident fatalities happen from June to September. The summer months see a significant spike.
Part of the reason this happens is simply that there is greater exposure. The weather is nice, so people are more likely to ride their bikes. Additionally, high school and college students are out for the summer, and many young people ride bikes when they are too young to drive or haven’t purchased a car. More cyclists on the road will naturally lead to more accidents, fatalities and injuries.
How can cyclists stay safe?
One of the main things cyclists should do to stay safe is to ensure that they are visible. Many of these accidents happen because drivers say they didn’t see the bicycle. It helps to have lights when riding in low-light conditions and to wear bright clothing or even clothing with reflective materials, which light up when a car’s headlights hit them.
Additionally, cyclists should always follow the rules of the road and strive to avoid distractions. They should ride with traffic rather than against it, for instance. They should not wear headphones to listen to music while riding the bike, as this insulates them from the traffic noise around them.
What if an accident happens anyway?
Even safe cyclists are often struck and injured by negligent drivers. If this happens, the cyclist and their family may need to look into all of their rights to seek appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other costs.
