If you like to ride a bicycle on the road or you regularly walk near traffic, it is critical to understand the risks you face. As a pedestrian or bicyclist, you become especially vulnerable if a car hits you. In comparison to those riding in vehicles, the chances of you suffering a serious injury are particularly high.
It is critical for pedestrians and bicyclists to understand some of the risk factors that result in these accidents, as well as the prevalence of bicyclist and pedestrian injuries.
How many bicyclists and pedestrians sustain injuries?
The U.S. Department of Transportation published unsettling statistics on pedestrians and bicyclists involved in traffic accidents. Over the course of 2019, 49,000 pedal cyclists sustained injuries in traffic accidents, and 76,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in accidents on the road. Tragically, many bicyclists and pedestrians lose their lives in these accidents as well. In 2019, almost 19% of all traffic deaths involved pedestrians.
What are some risks bicyclists and pedestrians face?
On the road, you need to understand the various hazards you could encounter, from poor visibility and bad weather to particularly dangerous intersections, sharp turns and steep hills. If possible, try to use a sidewalk while walking near traffic and always exercise caution before attempting to cross the road. If you ride a bike near traffic, ride with the flow of traffic and pay close attention to signs and traffic guidelines.
Sadly, even very responsible bicyclists and pedestrians suffer injuries because of reckless drivers, such as drunk, distracted, drowsy and aggressive drivers. If you are trying to recover from such an accident, carefully go over what occurred and stand up for your rights.