Whether you bike on a daily basis or ride a bicycle occasionally, it is very important to understand the risks you face with respect to traffic. As a cyclist, the chances of you suffering an injury become particularly high if a collision with a motor vehicle occurs. Sadly, many cyclists sustain debilitating injuries after they become struck by reckless drivers.
It is crucial for bicyclists as well as drivers to understand the impact of these accidents and review statistics on bicycle accident injuries to realize the scope of this problem.
Bike accident injury data
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that each year, more than 130,000 bicyclists suffer injuries on roads across the U.S. Furthermore, the CDC says that children account for a significant number of cyclist injuries. In fact, cyclists between the ages of 10 and 24 suffer almost one out of every three bike accident injuries treated in emergency departments. The CDC also says that male bicyclists are five times more likely to sustain injuries.
The impact of a bike accident
If you suffer an injury on your bike, the accident could affect you in different ways. Physical pain, losing the ability to work and even immobility could become a reality. You might have difficulty paying medical costs and struggle with other financial setbacks. If you hit your head, you could have long-term hardships due to brain trauma, and the mental impact of a bike accident can also prove devastating.
In the wake of a bike accident, it is essential to focus on recovering from your injuries as well as your mental health and financial well-being.