The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently released the 2015 traffic data for bicyclists and other cyclists. There is a great deal of information contacted in the traffic safety fact sheet. Below are some of the bicycle accident facts found in the data report:
- 818 people died in motor vehicle-pedalcyclist accidents which is a 12.2 percent increase from 2014
- 45,000 pedalcyclists were injured in motor vehicle accidents
- 70 percent of cyclists who died in 2015 crashes died in urban areas
- 37 percent of the cyclist crashes involved alcohol
- The average age of cyclists killed in 2015 was 45 years
- Children 14 years of age and younger made up 12 percent of cyclists injured and 5 percent of cyclists killed in 2015
- 96 percent of pedalcyclists killed were involved in single-vehicle crashes with light trucks being the most common vehicle involved in fatal bicycle accidents
- 84 percent of the fatal crashes involved a motor vehicle striking the cyclist from the front
For more information and the full set of facts, see the NHTSA data report.
Bicycle Safety in New Orleans
New Orleans has a lot of bicyclists, including both residents and visitors. Our city is a great place to ride your bicycle because of the wonderful views. It is always a great way to avoid traffic backups during various festivals and events.
However, our city is also a very busy place with a great deal of motor vehicle traffic. To avoid a bicycle accident, drivers and cyclists must pay close attention to each other and obey all traffic laws. Bicyclists must obey traffic laws, and drivers have a duty to watch out for cyclists. If everyone did their part, we might be able to reduce the number of bicycle accidents in New Orleans.
For bicycle safety tips see:
- Safe Kids Worldwide
- AAA Exchange
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What Do I Do After a Bicycle Accident?
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you take the same steps you do after a car accident. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical services. You want a police report even if the bicycle accident is a hit and run or you believe you only suffered minor injuries.
If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including your bicycle and the vehicle involved in the crash. Ask for the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. Seek medical attention to protect your health and document your injuries. Preserve your clothing and the bicycle as evidence because this often supports the severity of your injuries.
Lastly, contact our office for a free consultation as soon as possible after a bicycle accident. The insurance company for the driver may try to convince you to settle without an attorney. Don’t fall for this tactic — the insurance adjuster does NOT represent your best interest. You should also seek the advice of an experienced New Orleans bicycle accident attorney.
Call Now for Your Free Appointment
Call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm for your free case evaluation and legal consultation. You can contact our office by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889.