Fatal Bicycle Accidents Among Adults Are On the Rise

Fatal Bicycle Accidents

WASHINGTON, D.C. – on May 18, 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission distributed a press release that stresses the importance of wearing bicycle helmets to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries.  The media release also examined the results of a new study completed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to demonstrate how important bicycle helmets are and prevent injuries and deaths.

The new report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that from 2008 through 2028:

• Fatal bicycle accidents increased overall and particularly amongst adults.
• Hospital emergency rooms treated about 597,000 bicycle accident-related traumatic brain injuries throughout the United States.
• The number of emergency room visits decline 6% amongst adults and approximately 50% amongst children.
• Mills were three times more likely to receive traumatic brain injury medical treatment at an emergency room.
• Laws and policies that require bicycle helmet usage have cut the number of head injuries by 20 to 55%.

Helmets are important because they absorb a substantial amount of the impact energy from a collision or fall. This is why helmets can help protect the brain and skull from sustaining a more severe injury.

According to the CPSC’s recent report on the coronavirus’ impact on emergency room treated injuries from March through September 2020, The number of injuries to bicyclists is 40 and over jumps 21%.  The number of bicycle accident injuries in adults over the age of 70 grew to 39%. Injuries caused by scooters, skateboards, and hoverboards grew by 39%.

The CDC states that no helmets have been proven to protect against concussions; however, it is crucial that people understand the signs and symptoms of a concussion and seek medical attention.

• The CPSC advises the following to avoid sports-related head injuries:
• Always wear safety gear, including a helmet when playing sports and basically.
• Read and follow all manufactures instructions.
• Make Sure that you wear the bicycle helmet correctly.
• Ensure a proper helmet fit.
• Make sure you purchase a helmet that has the “meets” the CPSC’s federal safety standard label.
• When skateboarding, bicycling, or scooter in, look out for motor vehicles, and always follow the rules of the road.

If you were a loved one, have been injured, or if you lost a loved one in a bicycle accident, contact Parker Waichman LLC for your free case evaluation.

CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW

Were you or a loved one injured in a bicycle accident? Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by reckless drivers. For your free consultation, contact our law firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).