Articles Posted in Bicycle Accidents

If you are a bicyclist, you may have noticed that a number of interesting safety innovations have been created in recent years to reduce your risk of injury if you are in a bicycle accident in Hollywood or another community. For example, invisible helmets promise to provide a higher standard of protection against injuries.

Researchers at Foothills Medical Centre are suggesting that a new innovation is needed: body armor for cyclists. While head injuries in Hollywood and other cities are a big concern for Florida bicyclists, researchers note that the chest area and other areas of the body also need protection. The researchers looked at the injuries suffered by mountain bikers and bikers on city streets. About 258 severely injured bicyclists were studied and the results were published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery.

According to the study, the main injury to bicyclists remains head injury and highlights the importance of helmets. However, about half of the injuries examined were to the abdomen or chest area. For street cyclists, especially, body armor would help prevent many serious injuries and fatalities, according to researchers. Street cyclists were more likely to be severely injured and more likely to sustain fatal injuries, according to the study, in part because street cyclists were more likely to be struck by a car while mountain bikers were more likely to sustain their injuries from a fall. Mountain bikers were more likely to sustain spinal cord injuries.
Researchers also found that:

•The average age of injured mountain bikers is 28 while the average age of street bikers is 43
•About 86.4% of the injured patients studied were male
•Most injuries took place in the summer
Many bicycle shops already carry not only a range of helmets but also protective vests for bicyclists. These vests may take a little more time to find (they are usually only available in specialty shops) but they may be worth it to prevent injuries. The vests have a mix of hard-shell and padding protection.

The researchers did not mention in their study whether the vests could help protect against spinal cord injury, but the padding and protection cannot hurt. It can be especially important for bicyclists in city environments, since a car colliding with a cyclist is likely to strike the bicyclist’s abdomen area and extremities.

Continue reading →

According to a new study out of the University at Buffalo, lighting conditions, alcohol, and speed are key contributors to serve injuries in bicycle accidents. According to the researchers, paved shoulders and bike lanes alone do not help cyclists avoid injuries (although these options can help reduce the number of bicycle injuries).

According to the researchers, the severity of injuries in bicycle accidents involving cars was almost the same whether the accident took place on a bike lane or a shared street. According to the researchers, the three things that did make a difference in the seriousness of injuries were:

•Alcohol. Alcohol use by the vehicle motorists or the cyclist increased the severity of injury.
•Lighting. Cyclists who rode in the darkness had an increased risk of severe injuries, even when they rode in an area with streetlights and wore reflective clothing or had bicycle lights.
•Speed. Cyclists riding at or above the posted speed limit had a higher instance of severe injuries when compared with cyclists who took a more leisurely pace.

It is important to do everything possible to reduce bicycle accidents in Homestead and other communities. These types of accidents all too often affect children and can lead to devastating injury, including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities. A cyclist simply has no chance against a larger vehicle.

The NHTSA reports that only 1% of traffic trips across the country are made by bicycle, but cyclists account for 2% of traffic deaths. Florida, unfortunately, has a reputation for being one of the states with a higher instance of pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents.

There are many things that can be done to help prevent bicycle accidents and resulting injuries – including head injuries – in Homestead and across the state:

1) Teach children bicycle safety rules early. Children who learn the rules of the road early know how to ride safely and how to avoid danger. While the University of Buffalo study suggests that there is no difference in the severity of injuries between streets and bicycle lanes, children should be encouraged to ride in safer areas – such as bike paths that are not shared with cars and quieter streets. Choosing where your children ride can still help reduce their risk of an accident.

2) Always follow traffic and safety rules. Obey the posted speed limit, stop signs, and traffic lights. Even though you can slip in between cars and coast through a light that does not mean you should. While bicycles are more flexible, obeying the same rules as other vehicles can greatly reduce your risk of an accident.

3) Always wear a helmet when cycling. Many head injuries in Homestead and other communities can be prevented with a proper helmet. In addition to wearing a helmet, make sure you wear reflective clothing and ensure that your bicycle is equipped with reflective tape and lights so that you are visible.

4) Stay alert – treat cycling with the same seriousness as driving a car. Do not hop on your bicycle if you are tired, ill, distracted, or have been drinking. You need the same alertness to cycle as you need to operate a car. Distraction, inebriation, and fatigue can affect your motor skills and can lead you to make poor decisions that lead to an accident.

Continue reading →

Bicycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale and across Florida are a major concern for parents in the summer. While children relish the freedom of warm summer afternoons for bicycle rides, parents know that bikes can lead to head injuries and Fort Lauderdale hospital stays. Before summer starts, it is a good idea to review bicycle safety with your children. You can do this by:

1) Visiting a bicycle shop to review safety gear. A helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury significantly if your child is in a traffic accident in Fort Lauderdale or another community. Lights and reflective stickers on the bicycle as well as reflective clothing can make your child more visible, making a collision less likely. Your child may be more enthusiastic about safety gear if it is new and if they get to choose. Browsing the options can also help teach your child about the importance of safety.

2) Checking your child’s bicycle. Is the bicycle in good condition and still appropriate for your child’s height? If not, it may be time to replace or repair the bike.

3) Talking with your child about bicycle safety. It is important to review safety issues with your child often, so that they understand the importance of bicycling safely. Make sure your child knows what to do to avoid a bicycle accident in Fort Lauderdale or another community. Review traffic rules, bicycle rules, and best practices.

4) Taking a bicycle ride with your children. This allows you to see whether your children have any bad habits that can lead to an accident. It also allows you to see whether your children have the skills needed to bicycle alone or with friends. A bicycle ride together can be fun and allows your children to build their skills while also reviewing possible safe routes for biking.

5) Setting rules. Set rules for your children about bicycling. Depending on your children’s age and bicycling experience, this may mean no biking in specific areas or late at night. For all children, this should mean rules about helmet use and rules to avoid distracted bicycling. Write the rules up together and make sure that there are consequences if the rules are not followed.

6) Having others talk to your children about bicycle safety. Have your child review websites about bicycle safety or have an older sibling or trusted family friend discuss bicycle safety with your child. Hearing the same message from different sources can help ensure that the information gets through.

Continue reading →

Many people in Florida are choosing to bicycle or walk to work because of the health benefits. The health benefits of bicycling, for example, are well documented. A 14-year Copenhagen study focused on 30,000 participants and concluded that people who bicycled to work lowered their risk of fatalities by 40% when compared to those who led more sedentary lives. An Australian study of 100 subjects found that people who switched some of their commutes over a year from car to bike lowered their risk of heart attacks and strokes while improving their fitness and cholesterol levels.
Many bicyclists in Florida who would like to make the switch, however, worry about the risk of bicycle accidents. In Miami, especially, the risk of traffic accidents involving bicycles is quite high and Florida has one of the worst records in the country when it comes to bicycle accident fatalities.

So is bicycling to work a health benefit or a health hazard?

Nation-wide statistics leave no doubt that there is some risk. In 2011 alone, 677 people died in car-bicycle accidents in the US. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that bicycles account for just 1% of trips but account for 2% of traffic fatalities.

A 2011 Barcelona study using computer models found that the benefits of bicycling outweighed the risk of injury and accident. A 2010 study out of the Netherlands concluded that bicycling accidents take away 5-9 deaths in a lifespan, while bicycling to work rather than taking a car adds 3-14 months of life. These studies do suggest that biking to work has many health benefits that are not outweighed by the risk of traffic accident in Miami. However, experts agree that more US-based studies are needed. They also note that many European cities have well-established bicycle laws are bicycling areas that motorists respect – something that bicyclists say is badly needed in Miami and other major US cities.

Experts and doctors agree that there are also many things that cyclists in Miami can do to further reduce their risk of an accident and serious injury. Wearing a helmet while bicycling for example, can reduce your risk of a head injury in Miami by up to 85%, according to some statistics. As well, staying visible, following the rules of the road, and bicycling in safer areas (in bike lanes or on bike paths rather than busy streets) can reduce your risk of a bicycle collision in Miami.

Continue reading →

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has been working on a new campaign, “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow…Safety Doesn’t Happen By Accident” to reduce the number of bicycle and pedestrian accidents across Florida. The agency’s goal is to reduce fatal pedestrian traffic accidents 20% by the year 2015. If successful, this would help save about 15 lives annually.

The new safety and education campaign will make use of transit ads, TV, and social media to spread information and tips on preventing traffic accidents. The agency will also team up with local law enforcement and schools to help spread the message. FDOT has also said that it will step up traffic enforcement and reconsider engineering solutions to help reduce instances of traffic fatalities in the state. Experts hope that the new campaign will help prevent serious pedestrian and bicycle accidents in Miami and across Florida.

There is certainly room for improvement. According to FDOT, Florida’s rate of fatal pedestrian accidents is twice the national average. This means that across the state 10 pedestrians and 2.3 bicyclists, on average, are killed weekly. FDOT’s three-pronged approach seems promising because it will involve a focus on:

1) Engineering. Many car collisions in Miami and across the state are caused by poor signs and poor roadway conditions. Changing these conditions can help prevent fatalities, injuries, and expensive legal action caused by these poor road conditions. For example, adding sidewalks in areas where there are no sidewalks can help prevent some pedestrian accidents in Miami. Adding bicycle lanes is important in preventing bicycle accidents. Some research has also suggested that different types of signs may be more effective in helping to prevent traffic accidents.

2) Education. Educating motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists is vital in preventing traffic collisions in Miami and other communities. Motorists need to be taught to focus on the road and to avoid distracted driving. Pedestrians need to be reminded to take extra precautions when walking – especially when walking at night or when walking in higher-traffic areas without sidewalks.

3) Enforcement. Pursuing those who violate traffic rules is important in sending out the message that unsafe driving will not be tolerated in Florida. Vigilant enforcement can help prevent reckless driving and some drunk driving accidents in Miami.

Another issue that could potentially help protect bicyclists and pedestrians are legislative changes. Some experts and advocacy groups believe that changing laws – in order to ban texting and driving, for example, or in order to make penalties for reckless driving harsher – would help discourage unsafe drivers and would give injury victims more options in pursuing justice.

Continue reading →

Hövding is the name of an invisible helmet that has received much attention in the bicycling community in the past few years. Some experts believe that this helmet can help prevent injuries caused by bicycle accidents in Miami Lakes and other communities.

The helmet does not look anything like a typical helmet, in part because so many people sustain head serious injuries because they do not like the look of traditional helmets. This fact had Swedish design students Terese Alstin and Anna Haupt intrigued. Working together since 2005, they developed an invisible helmet.

The helmet is not magically invisible, of course. Instead, it looks like a large collar or scarf. The idea behind the helmet is simple: the collar contains an airbag that deploys in the event of a traffic accident in Miami Lakes (or anywhere) and covers the wearer’s head. Currently, the helmets cost about $515, although the manufacturers are working to lower costs by changing production in upcoming years.

In addition to price, another question that the manufacturers face is skepticism about the helmet. Florida bicycle enthusiasts wonder whether the airbags in the collar would really inflate reliably each time to prevent head injuries and spinal cord injuries. In Miami Lakes and other communities, after all, a car-bicycle collision means that airbags have to inflate in a fraction of a second to offer protection to the rider. In addition, the helmet would not protect bicyclists from overhanging obstacles and other potentially dangerous head injury types. Bicyclists are also concerned that the helmets – which are already much more expensive than traditional helmets – can only be deployed once. If the airbags inflate during a low-speed fall or a skid, the bicyclist will have to replace their helmet.

There is no question that the helmet is extremely interesting. It uses an algorithm to help detect when a bicyclist is moving in a way that indicates an accident. Inside the collar is a helium gas inflator. To activate the helmet, the wearer places the collar around their neck, closes the zipper, and pushes a button. The entire device weighs about one and a half pounds and in future years the company making the helmet plans to offer a range of styles and designs. In the event of a collision, the manufacturer of the helmet notes that the airbag device deploys in 0.1 seconds, covering the wearer’s head and protecting them from injury.

The manufacturers also claim that the invisible helmet is in fact safer than the traditional helmet. When the company sought to get EU safety certification, they approached Folksam, a Swedish insurer, for independent testing. Folksam discovered that Hövding performed at least three times better than twelve traditional helmets when it came to the hit/drop tests. In shock absorbance tests, traditional helmets had average acceleration results of 180-250 g, compared with 37 g for the Hövding. In addition, the invisible helmet covers more of a wearer’s head in an accident and can handle multiple impacts in one accident.

Hövding is now seeking to attain the U.S. CPSC standard, which will mean more tests. Bicyclists in Florida are no doubt watching the news for developments. The U.S. CPSC standard is considered by some to be tougher than comparable EU tests and the additional testing could help residents understand more about whether the helmet could help prevent head injuries in Miami Lakes and other communities.

Continue reading →

Florida is ranked as one of the most dangerous states for bicyclists. Due to the high traffic, larger cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Miami are considered especially risky for bicycle enthusiasts. There many advantages to bicycling. It’s a great form of exercise and a wonderful way to explore the warm weather and beautiful climate of Florida. In addition, bicycling is also a greener mode of transportation. If you want to take advantage of all that bicycling has to offer but want to stay safe, experts agree that there are five things you must do:

1) Stay visible. Staying as visible as possible ensures that other motorists can see you, which is important in preventing car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and other Florida cities. Wear bright colored gear, and opt for reflective clothing if you are bicycling in poor weather conditions or at night. Make sure that your bicycle is highly visible, too. Use reflective stickers as well as lights on both the front and rear of your bicycle. There are helmets that come with special reflective features and bright lights to make you even more visible. Where possible, make eye contact with motorists to ensure that they can see you. Many bicycle-related traffic accidents in Fort Lauderdale and other Florida cities occur simply because a motorist does not see a bicycle in time.

2) Build your skills. Building your skills ensures that you have the flexibility and mobility to move quickly if you need to in order to avoid a traffic accident. Building your skills also means that you understand how to bicycle safely. If you’re just getting started with bicycling after a long break, work your way up to sharing the road with cars by bicycling on bicycle paths in parks. Then, when your skills have developed, you can try riskier paths and bicycle lanes on streets.

3) Know the rules. Stay in bike lanes where they are available. Follow all traffic signals. Bicycles are far more flexible than cars, but even though you can scoot in and out of traffic that does not mean it’s a good idea. Follow all traffic rules carefully. They are designed to protect you.

4) Do not ride distracted. Distracted driving is already a leading cause of traffic and truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida. While most distracted driving campaigns focus on the dangers of distracted driving, bicycling while distracted is equally dangerous. Listening to music, for example, can mean that you don’t get the important audio cues of traffic around you. Trying to text and bicycle is also extremely dangerous and is very likely to result in a serious accident. When you bicycle, make sure that your full focus is on staying safe.

5) Anticipate traffic. Scan the road around you and use mirrors to keep an eye on traffic behind you, as well. Keep a few fingers on the brakes when getting close to traffic. That way, you can react quickly if you need to.

Continue reading →

While a bicycle is a great way to get around Hollywood, bicyclists do face risks when they hit the road. Hollywood bicycle accidents cause serious injuries and claim lives each year, but according to experts there are many things we can do to help prevent these types of accidents from occurring:

1) Set rules with children about bicycle safety. Make sure that children know that is they break the rules – such as riding with no helmet or wearing a helmet without a chin strap — there will be consequences. Teach children to bicycle safely by going on rides with them and by setting a good example. Have a written list of bicycle safety rules at home and review them from time to time.

2) Hone bicycling skills. Experienced bicyclists are less likely to fall from their bikes or be involved in Hollywood traffic accidents. Develop bicycle skills slowly, sticking to flatter trails away from car traffic until your skills build. If it has been a few years since you have been on a bicycle, get adjusted to bicycling again slowly, giving yourself time before you try challenging routes and sharing the road with cars. There are many good online resources that can help you refresh your knowledge of bikes.

3) Choose routes carefully. Even if you are an experienced bicyclist, sharing the road with drivers and trucks is risky. Not all motorists pay attention and the chances of a bicyclist escaping serious injury in a Hollywood truck accident or car accident are not good. Sticking with trials and with quiet streets is often a good idea if you are just headed out for some recreation.

4) Always wear a helmet. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, helmet use can reduce the risk of brain injury by 85%. Since Hollywood head injuries are one of the leading causes of fatal injuries in bicycle accidents, this statistic is significant. Buy a helmet you love and wear it each time you ride. If something happens to your helmet and you cannot use it, walk your bicycle.

5) Stay visible. Wearing bright-colored clothing and using reflectors and lights is important in avoiding a collision. Always signal when making turns to ensure that drivers can see where you are headed. You are far less likely to be struck by a car if motorists can see you and can anticipate your next move.

6) Stay focused. Riding while daydreaming or listening to music will likely result in an accident. It is important to keep your full focus on the road and on any traffic nearby. Even riding distracted on a quiet trail can lead to a Hollywood pedestrian accident, so only hop on your bike when you are ready to give traffic around you your full attention.

7) Do not take shortcuts with traffic laws. Bicycles are a very flexible form of transportation, which is one reason why bike enthusiasts love them. However, while it may be physically possible to weave in and out of traffic, up and off the sidewalk, and ignore traffic signals and signs, it is very dangerous to do so. Treat your bicycle as a car, leaving plenty of space around your bike and obey all traffic laws and signs. Keep in mind that while bikes are very flexible and can move fast, vehicles around you cannot.

Continue reading →

According to the Florida Bicycle Association and the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida leads the nation when it comes to bicycle accidents. In 2009 alone, there were 107 bicycle accident fatalities in the state, a decrease from 125 in 2008. According to local biking advocates, Miami can be especially dangerous for cyclists for a few reasons:

1) Drivers in Miami tend to be from out of state and many are elderly drivers. While there is no exact consensus about whether elderly drivers are riskier than younger drivers, many experts do feel that the elderly are more prone to illnesses, such as strokes, heart attacks, dementia, eye problems, and other illnesses which can affect driving skills. At-risk elderly drivers may simply not see bicyclists, leading to Miami bicycle accidents. In addition, as a major tourist attraction, Florida sees many drivers who are from out-of-state and were therefore unfamiliar with the area. This can also mean an increased risk of Miami car accidents involving bicycles, since drivers who are unfamiliar with the roads may be focused on finding their destination and therefore may not spot a bicyclist in time.

2) Bicycling is possible year round in Miami. One reason why Miami bicycle accidents are so common is because bicyclists in Miami have the ability to ride their bicycles year-round. The beautiful weather does mean that more people are on bicycles for a longer period of time each year, increasing the risk of accidents.

3) Texting and driving is not illegal in Florida. Distracted driving – and distracted bicycling – is a serious problem in the city, leading to many Miami pedestrian accidents and Miami traffic accidents.

4) Some Miami roads were designed with little thought to bicyclists and pedestrians. While motorists and bicyclists are expected to share the roads, some roads are not designed for great visibility or for sharing, leading to Miami traffic accidents.

5) Motorists do not share the road in many cases. Some bicyclists feel that Miami motorists are especially aggressive and less willing to yield right of way or share the road. Unfortunately, aggressive driving does increase the risk of Miami car accidents and bicycle accidents.

6) Risk-taking. Some motorists feel that bicyclists in Miami take unneeded risk, including veering in and out of traffic or driving recklessly, which can lead to collisions. Unfortunately, after a Miami bicycle crash, it is common for there to be a disagreement about what caused the collision. Motorists will often blame the bicyclists and bicyclists will believe that motorists caused the accident. It often takes a Miami personal injury attorney and investigators time to determine the true cause of an accident.

Continue reading →

Many parents encourage the idea of their children bicycling to school. After all, bicycling is a good form of exercise and allows the child to get to school relatively safely. Bicycling is also more environmentally friendly than driving a car. However, to help prevent Miami Beach bicycle accidents, you need to review a few safety tips for back to school:

1) Make sure your child has at least one helmet they really like and are willing to use all the time. Your child is more likely to wear helmet if they have a helmet that they love. Help your child find a fun helmet that they actually enjoy wearing. Even if it costs little bit more, it is worth it if your child is actually willing to wear it. Make sure that your child wears their helmet each time that they ride their bike. According to many experts helmets can reduce the risk of Miami Beach head injuries by up to 80%.

2) Build your child’s safety knowledge and bicycle skills by going on family bike outings. Going out on family bicycle trips can help you teach your child will bicycle safety rules, and allows you to see how safe your child is on their bicycle.

3) Review your child’s route. Ride with your child to their school. Review the route that your child will take on their bicycle. Are there busy intersections? Is it a traffic heavy area? Look for routes that are relatively safe.

4) Have your child stop their bike in a safe zone. Where your child parks their bike and stops their bike can be as important as what route they take to school. In many cases, Miami Beach car accidents involving the school run occur near the school, where there is a great deal of traffic, due to parents dropping their children off. Locate the bicycle racks at your child’s school and make sure that your child knows where to hop off their bike and how to secure their bike safely.

5) Make sure your child is highly visible when on their bike. Reflective stickers, a highly visible helmet, lights, and light colors can help make your child more visible to motorists. In many cases, Miami Beach traffic accidents involving bicycles occur because a motorist failed to see a bicyclist. Children on bicycles can be harder to spot then adults, simply due to their smaller size. Therefore, making them as visible as possible becomes very important.

6) Keep your child from riding distracted. Distracted bicycling can easily lead to a Miami Beach bicycle accident. Ensure that your child is not trying to text or listen to music while riding their bike. Your child’s entire focus should be on the bicycle route and on staying safe.

Continue reading →