A recent accident along Oakland Park Boulevard really hit home with a lot of cyclists in the area. The man injured in the accident was a the leader a local chapter for Critical Mass, a worldwide group of riders/ cyclists that choose to ride with each other, according to New Times BPB. This advocacy group gets together once a month and rider in celebration and in protest of car culture. The group’s leader was transported to the emergency room where he was treated for a number of deep cuts on his head, as well as a fracture of the T9 vertebrae in his back.
According to accident reports, the man was heading west on the bridge when he was hit from behind by a careless driver. Bike advocacy group the Green Mobility Network has called South Florida “one of the most dangerous places in the country for bicyclists and pedestrians.”
Our bicycle accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale understand that our cities remain statistically dangerous. In most of these accidents, an irresponsible driver was not aware of the bicyclist and a serious, oftentimes fatal, accident occurs. When a car hits a bicyclist, the injuries that result are often debilitating. Given the nature of a bike, cyclists do not have any protection from the force of impact once hit by a motorist.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), there were more than 75 bicyclists killed on Florida roadways in 2010. In addition to these fatalities, there were nearly 5,000 additional bicyclists who were injured in traffic accidents. While the number of fatalities decreased from the year before, both the number of accidents and injuries increased.
The most dangerous counties in Florida for bicycle injuries, according to Alert Today Florida:
-Miami-Dade
-Broward
-Pinellas
-Orange
-Hillsborough
It’s critical for all travelers to remember that bicycles on the roadway are, by law, vehicles with the same rights, and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. There is only one road and it is up to bicyclists and motorists to treat each other with care and respect. Adherence to the law is the foundation for this respect, but the law itself is simply a codification of the rules of movement that make all road users predictable to one another.
Bicyclists should remember that motorists are used to looking for car-sized objects. To enhance your visibility, wear light-colored or fluorescent clothing and accessories. Apply reflective tape to your helmet and moving parts on your bike, and always use proper lighting at night. You should also wear an approved bicycle helmet every time you ride. If you are under 16, it’s the law. The helmet should fit snugly, sit low on your forehead, and always be buckled.
You’ve got to remember that safety doesn’t happen by accident. When driving, walking or bicycling, it’s critical to pat attention, read the signs and learn the rules.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact Richard Ansara at 954 761-3641 or toll-free at 877-277-3780 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case.
More Blog Entries:
Broward B-Cycle Rider Safety in Focus, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, January 10, 2014
Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety a Worthy New Year’s Goal in Broward, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, January 3, 2014