{"id":124473,"date":"2021-01-27T12:00:04","date_gmt":"2021-01-27T16:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jamesmckiernanlawyers.com\/?p=124473"},"modified":"2021-08-12T18:02:01","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T18:02:01","slug":"bike-accidents-safety-san-luis-obispo-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jamesmckiernanlawyers.com\/en\/blog\/bike-accidents-safety-san-luis-obispo-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike Accidents and Safety in San Luis Obispo, California"},"content":{"rendered":"

We often think of riding a bike as an almost innocent activity. However, with the rise in mobile technology and fall of average attention spans, the rates of bicycle accidents have been increasing. In a world full of roadway distractions, it is more important than ever to protect yourself while riding your bike in California.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The injuries sustained in these accidents can be medically, emotionally, and financially devastating. In this piece, James McKiernan Lawyers aims to provide all the information you need on California bicycle accidents, how to avoid them, and what to do if you are hurt.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bicycle Accidents in California<\/b><\/h2>\n

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According to data pulled from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<\/span>NHTSA<\/span><\/a>) <\/span>database, the average number of bicycle accidents per year increased towards the end of the 2010s.<\/span><\/p>\n

From 2015 to 2019, there were an average of 873 fatal and 51,257 injury-only accidents per year involving cyclists and motorists nationwide. Compare that to the 15-year average from 2005 to 2019 which saw a yearly average of 786 fatal and 49,479 injury-only accidents across the country. Recent years have seen an uptick in incident rates.<\/span><\/p>\n

Florida is the most dangerous state for road cyclists with an average of 6.8 fatal bike accidents per million residents. Meanwhile, South Dakota and Vermont are the safest states with averages of 0.0 and 0.5 fatal bike accidents per million residents, respectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

California sits closer to Florida with 3.9 fatal bike accidents per million residents, which is higher than the national average of 2.60 collisions. The state also has a much higher rate of male cyclist deaths in these impacts with 8 male deaths for every female death.<\/span><\/p>\n

Staying Safe While Riding<\/b><\/h2>\n

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As standards have increased for riding gear, driver liability, and overall road safety, there are still things that cyclists can do to stay safe on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

Organizations like the NHTSA are dedicated to ensuring that standards for driver behavior and vehicle safety continuously improve. This generates progress in ensuring safer roadways, but it would be unwise to assume that drivers are 100% responsible for all cyclist accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n

While it is best to choose a cycling spot that has less traffic and more cycling infrastructure\u2014such as bike lanes and side roads\u2014it is not always possible to find the perfect environment. By consistently wearing a protective helmet and never assuming that others can see you, your chances of remaining safe improve substantially.<\/span><\/p>\n

Helmet Safety<\/b><\/h3>\n

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In America, 22 out of 50 states have statewide laws requiring the use of a bicycle helmet while riding. California is one of those states, mandating that anyone under 18 is required to wear a helmet. Although this law only applies to children, adults should also heed this warning and make it a habit to ride as safely as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies have shown that there are many reasons why injuries sustained during a bicycle accident can be traumatic and life-altering. According to the National Safety Council (NSC):<\/span><\/p>\n