It’s that time of the year again when you’re most apt to take advantage of the nice temperatures and the autumn foilage to go on a ride on your bike. At the same time, you might rely on your bicycle for transportation to work, school or anywhere else you may have to be.
No matter your reason for getting out on the roadways with your bicycle, you might want to keep statistics showing when motorists-bicyclists accidents generally occur at the forefront of your mind.
What causes bicycle-motor vehicle crashes?
Data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that the most common time frame at which crashes between bicyclists and car operators occur is between 6 and 9 p.m.
The consumer advocacy group Bikesafe points out how the various factors may contribute to the uptick in crashes. These include:
- Reduced visibility
- More congested roadways (by both motorists and bicyclists)
- Alcohol involvement
- Distractions on the part of both cyclists and drivers
Data also shows that at least 45% of fatal bicycle accidents occur during the above-referenced time frame. Earlier statistics showed that accidents were significantly more likely to occur in highly-congested urban areas instead of rural ones.
As you’re likely aware, some of the most catastrophic accidents involve collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles. You can take all the necessary measures to be a safe bicyclist, but the motorists with whom you’re sharing the road may not. Louisiana is an at-fault insurance state. You have every right to hold the motorist who struck and injured you liable for their negligence.
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