Bicycle accidents: how bad is it?

Bicycle accidents: how bad is it?

In 2013, there were 743 pedal cyclists killed and an estimated 48,000 injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Pedal cyclist deaths accounted for 2 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities (Table 1) and injured pedal cyclists made up 2 percent of the people injured in traffic crashes during the year. The number of pedal cyclists killed in 2013 is 1 percent higher than the 734 pedal cyclists killed in 2012. The increase in 2013 is the third straight increase in pedal cyclist fatalities, a 19-percent increase since 2010.

Key Findings • The 743 pedal cyclist deaths in 2013 accounted for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities during the year. • Sixty-eight percent of all pedal cyclists who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2013 died in urban area crashes. • Over a 10-year period (2004 to 2013), the average age of pedal cyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes has steadily increased from 39 to 44. • The pedal cyclist fatality rate per capita (rate per million people) was almost 7 times greater for males than females in 2013. • Alcohol involvement—either for the motor vehicle operator or for the pedal cyclist—was reported in more than 34 percent of all fatal pedal cyclist crashes in 2013. • Of the pedal cyclists who died in 2013, 24 percent of them had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .01 g/ld. or greater.

Go over some highlights in fact sheet at

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812151.pdf

  In a 1989 study, it was found that most serious brain injuries of bike accident victims were ones where no helmets were worn.  And, 85% reduction in risk of head injury could be achieved; by wearing helmets (with a confidence level of 95%), if a bike accident were to occur (Thompson, 1989).