There may still be a chill in the air, but it will not be long before bicycle enthusiasts will be brushing the dust off their bikes, donning a helmet, and heading out for a ride. It may not come as welcome news, but data from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MD DOT) is a sobering reminder of the safety risks. Every year, about a dozen riders are killed and more than 700 victims are injured in bicycle accidents. Worse, the trends indicate that these collisions are on the rise over the last few years. Possibly a result of more bikers sharing the road with motorists.
While disturbing, statistics and trends on bike crashes can be useful in terms of highlighting bicyclist safety. Data enables predictions, leading to tips you can use to avoid getting hurt. An Owings Mills bicycle accident lawyer will assist with your legal options if you were injured, but the following information might help you protect yourself.
Additional Statistics on Bicycle Crashes
MD DOT tracks many metrics about bike accidents, and some might guide you in choosing your route, time of day for a ride, location, and many other factors. For example:
- You are at the highest risk of injuries when riding in Baltimore City where almost more than 170 bicyclists suffer bodily harm in traffic incidents annually.
- Sunday is the safest day for bicycling in terms of total bike accidents, as there are just 91 compared to 137 on Wednesdays.
- On the other hand, weekends are the deadliest time to hop on your bicycle. Of the total 11 fatalities that occur every year, 6 happen over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Late afternoon and evenings are hazardous for bike riders, likely due to this time period coinciding with rush hour. Approximately 44% of all bicycle collisions happen between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tips to Avoid Maryland Bicycle Accidents
Though data can guide you in planning your ride, there are additional safety recommendations all riders should take into account. The first, which you have heard many times, is to always wear a helmet. Bicycle helmets are almost 90% effective in mitigating head and brain injuries. An important point when you consider that a rider will almost always sustain a secondary violent impact upon hitting the ground.
Safety tips for avoiding bike collisions include:
- Always use proper arm signals when making turns to let motorists know your next move.
- Comply with laws on riding along the shoulder or in designated bike lanes.
- Abide by traffic signals and signage, all of which apply to bicyclists.
- Do not split lanes, i.e., ride between lanes of stopped traffic.
A Baltimore County Bicycle Accident Attorney Will Pursue Your Legal Remedies
Victims of bike collisions may be entitled to recover medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other compensation. If you were hurt, please call 410.363.6848 or go online to reach Michael A. Freedman. We can set up a free consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer who can advise you on your legal options.
