We Can Seek Justice Together

Florida leads the nation in cyclist deaths

On Behalf of | May 24, 2022 | Personal Injury |

Many people across Florida rely on their bicycles to get around. If you are among them, you would be wise to exercise extreme caution when doing so. Research shows that Florida is the most dangerous state in the nation for traveling by bicycle.

Per WFTV, Florida has held the “most dangerous state for cyclists” designation for years. It is also the worst state in the nation for pedestrian fatalities.

Cyclist death statistics

As of early December 2021, there were 154 cyclist deaths that occurred within state lines. That placed Florida on pace to see more than 160 cyclist fatalities for the full year, making it the most dangerous state for cyclists yet again. Some counties, among them Orange County, are especially problematic for cyclists. While the number of crashes, in general, fell within Orange County in 2021, the number of cyclist deaths occurring within county lines more than doubled that year.

Cyclist death contributing factors

Many fatal and nonfatal wrecks involving cyclists share similar elements in common. Many fatal crashes involving cyclists also involve driver distraction, speed or both. Others result from motorists making unsafe lane changes, traveling too close to bike lanes or making turns without looking to see if anything or anyone is obstructing their paths. Many crashes involving bicyclists also involve motorists driving while fatigued or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

When motorists drive while distracted, drive while impaired or otherwise exercise negligence behind the wheel and strike and injure or kill bicyclists as a result, they may face substantial sanctions in the aftermath.

Archives