Whether you ride a bicycle for pleasure or to commute from one place to another, you shouldn’t be putting your life or your health on the line when you do. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens too often in Ohio. The danger is out there – knowing where it’s coming from may help you avoid it.
Statistics tell the story
The Ohio Department of Transportation conducted a study on the years 2009 through 2018 and included bicycle accidents in that study. What the Department found was that, over those years, nearly 200 bicyclists were killed and almost 2,000 more were seriously injured from accidents. Perhaps not surprisingly, the most common place for these accidents was on arterial roads, or those which are high-use. Although they make up only 8% of Ohio’s roads, they are responsible for nearly half of all bicycle accidents.
80% of bicycle accidents occur in urban areas and are most common during daylight hours and during summer months. 55% happened at intersections and 45% at non-intersection areas, indicating that the danger to bicyclists is ever-present. However, fatal bicycle accidents are more likely to occur at non-intersections, or 64% of the time. And the most common type of fatal bicycle accident happens when the bicyclist is traveling along the roadway and is struck by a car, either from behind or from the front.
If you’re a bicyclist who is injured in an accident with an automobile, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Don’t hesitate to see the assistance of an experienced professional to guide you through the process.