Cycling accidents happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is that drivers do not see a cyclist in time or at all. People who are riding a bicycle have very little defense against a car, and many who are hit suffer spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Vehicles do not necessarily have to be moving to cause injuries to a cyclist. At Colorado State University, a cyclist was left in critical condition after his bicycle collided with a car door that had been opened in front of him. Law enforcement and emergency personnel who responded to the scene of the accident claimed that the driver of the car might face criminal charges.
How Prevalent Are Cycling Accidents in Colorado?
A study released last year found that the number of Colorado cyclists who had received medical attention from accidents jumped 80 percent from 2006 to 2012. The study, organized by the University of Colorado, found that Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins treated 325 cyclists in 2012, up from 180 in 2006.
The University of Colorado study also found that most accidents occur when visibility is low. Late afternoon and early morning are dangerous for cyclists, because cars may not be able to see them. Cyclists can wear reflective or bright clothing as well as attach lights to the rear of the bicycle to increase their visibility to cars. Drivers should be careful and keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists, as they have an important obligation to operate their vehicle in a manner that does not jeopardize the safety of others.
Metier Law Firm is dedicated to helping those who have been injured due to the negligent actions of others. You can reach out to us and learn more about our firm by visiting our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Did You Know? According to a study done by the University of Colorado, drivers are more likely to speed during rush hour, increasing the likelihood of a fatal cycling accident.
To find out more about cycling accident statistics in Northern Colorado, you can visit the Coloradoan news website.