Bicycle Accidents: Sharing the Road

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Bicycle Accidents

Although the cooler weather has arrived, many bicycle enthusiasts are still pedaling away on Lake County roads. However, one news story highlights just how dangerous recreational bike riding can be no matter how experienced the rider.

A North Carolina man recently traveled to France, where he competed in a 750 mile race with 6,000 other bicyclists. The man came back to America with not a scratch on him from that competition. However, shortly upon his return home, he was riding his bicycle when a vehicle struck him. Luckily, he was not injured in the accident. Unbelievably, less than a week later, the man was riding his bike, this time on his way to work, when he was again struck by a vehicle whose driver was not paying attention to the road. This time, the man was not so lucky. As the car hit his bike, the man went flying over the handlebars and smashed into the ground. He suffered a broken elbow.

Despite being as experienced as he was, the man still became a victim. According to national statistics, each year, there are approximately 50,000 bicyclists who are injured in bicycle accidents with motor vehicles. Approximately 750 of those victims die from their injuries. The majority of those fatal accidents – about 70 percent – occur in urban areas. Nationwide, Florida falls at number one, with approximately 110 deaths occurring in that state each year. Illinois hovers at around the tenth position, with approximately 27 bicycle accident fatalities occurring each year.

There are rules of the road that Illinois drivers are required to follow when it comes to driving their vehicles near bicyclists, including the three foot rule. The three foot rule requires vehicle drivers to who are driving in the same direction of a bicyclist safely leave at least three feet of space between their vehicle and the bicycle as they are passing the bicycle. Tragically, many drivers do not follow that rule.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent vehicle driver, contact an experienced Lake County personal injury attorney to find out what compensation you may be entitled to for your pain and loss.

Sources:

http://www.wlos.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/Cyclist-Asheville-Cyclist-Survives-Riding-750-Miles-In-France-Hit-Twice-By-Car-After-Returning-206026.shtml#.VhKu324l8Xi

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/pedestrians-and-bicyclists/fatalityfacts/bicycles

http://www.governing.com/gov-data/transportation-infrastructure/most-bicycle-cyclist-deaths-per-capita-by-state-data.html

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a143.pdf

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-703