You face many different risks while riding a bike, especially if vehicles are nearby. Unfortunately, if a reckless driver collides with you, you could become seriously hurt. Every year, many cyclists find themselves in this position and you could experience various hardships afterward.
There are many different risk factors associated with bike accidents, and it is important to understand the hazards you face as a cyclist. Additionally, you should look at statistics on cyclist accidents and recognize how widespread injuries resulting from these collisions actually are.
Statistics on bicyclist accidents and injuries
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bicycle accidents result in more than 130,000 injuries each year in the U.S. alone. Moreover, injured cyclists between the ages of 10 and 24 represent almost one-third of bike accident injuries treated in emergency departments throughout the country. Male cyclists become injured in accidents five times more often than female cyclists.
In addition to serious injuries, many bike accidents claim lives. Each year, bike accidents result in the loss of almost 1,000 lives, according to the CDC.
The aftermath of a bike accident injury
If you suffered an injury while riding a bike, you could face numerous difficulties. On top of physical pain, injuries and the possibility of long-term issues (such as immobility), you could face financial problems. If you have to miss work or cannot afford medical bills, the impact could be devastating in terms of your finances. Additionally, the mental toll of a bike accident could haunt you for years, which underlines how crucial it is to focus on your recovery.