There are several sources for finding information on Bicycle Accident Statistics. Typically, the national and state resources are the best place to look, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and the Arizona Department of Transportation. However, other organizations do a great job of putting these numbers to good use in lay terms for easy to understand charts, and diagrams, such as The League of American Bicyclists and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center.
The national data seems to always come a year or two later than the local state data. As of right now, our most recent bicycle accident statistics from a national perspective date back to 2012. We expect to see 2014 sometime next year.
The Short story is this, too many cyclists are killed — even One fatality is simply too many. Many more cyclists were injured and not killed. On a national scale in 2012 there were 726 cyclists killed in accidents with a motor vehicle. Approximately 40% of these fatal bicycle crashes were clearly identified as cyclists rear ended by a motor vehicle. Approximately 30% were “unknown” – meaning hit and run bicycle accidents, and other unknown situations which in our opinion most likely includes many more rear end collisions by a motor vehicle. The next closest percent was “Cyclist Side/Car Front” at 11%. Clearly distracted driving has promoted the largest reason for bicycle fatalities as hitting a cyclist from behind mostly only happens when the driver isn’t paying attention to the road and drives their car right into a cyclist or a group of cyclists from behind.
Taking the most recent data from the NHTSA, you should note that nationally from 2011 to 2012 there was an increase in bicycle fatalities of 6.4%. The average age of fatal bicycle accident victims in 2012 was 43 years old. 88% of the bicycle fatalities were male. 69% of the bicycle fatalities occurred in urban areas. 30% of bicycle fatalities occurred between 4:00pm and 7:59pm. 24% of bicycle fatalities had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 g/dL or higher.
And from ADOT we learn that in 2013 there were 30 bicycle fatalities in Arizona, up from 18 bicycle deaths in 2012. Additionally, there were 1,679 reported bicycle accidents in Arizona where a cyclist was injured by a motor vehicle. 91% of reported bicycle accidents in Arizona were in urban areas. 70% of fatal bicycle accidents in Arizona were in urban areas. 71.2% of all reported bicycle accidents were in Maricopa county, and 63.3% of all fatal bicycle accidents in Arizona were in Maricopa county. Approximately 37% of bicycle fatalities in Arizona occurred while the sun was going down or just after.
National and Arizona Bicycle Accident Statistics at a glance:
Arizona Bicycle Accident Attorney Ben Dodge
Ben Dodge has represented and assisted bicycle accident victims across the entire United States. As an avid and competitive cyclist himself, Mr. Dodge currently participates in national and local cycling events all over the country. It isn’t uncommon to spot him in early morning hours out riding his bike. The day he fell in love with his job was the day he devoted himself completely to bicycle accident cases.If you, or someone you know were injured in a bicycle accident caused by road debris, hire a personal injury attorney who is experienced and has a successful track record. Ben Dodge, a licensed bicycle accident lawyer in Arizona, has dedicated his entire firm to one purpose: representing cyclists. Bicycle accident cases are the only cases Bike Accident Attorneys, PLC handles.
A Consultation With Experienced Arizona Bicycle Accident Attorney Ben Dodge is Free
In recent years there has been approximately 700 bicycle fatalities in the United States every single year. Approximately 2,000 bicycle accidents are reported in Arizona every year. Approximately 30 fatal bicycle accidents are reported in Arizona every year. Bicycle fatalities are terrible and horrific tragedies that affect the lives of too many families and friends to count. Understanding your rights and obligations as a cyclist can bring clarity to your specific accident situation. It will always be in your best interest to be represented by an attorney who knows the bicycle laws and has a successful track record of winning bicycle accident cases. The negotiation tactics and strategies of winning a case are extremely important but should always take a back row seat to the litigation experience and knowledge of court room rules, local, state, and federal rules of civil procedure that can have significant impact on your bicycle accident case. It is wise to be represented by someone well versed in bicycle accident law, local and state bicycle ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and laws. You should hire someone very familiar with negligence and tort law, civil procedure, and the rules of evidence as they all relate specifically to bicycle accident cases.
Ben Dodge always offers a complimentary in person consultation to all local cyclists and a complimentary phone consultation to any cyclist injured in a bike accident. Typically the consultations are schedule from 30-60 minutes depending on the severity of the accident. You can expect to get answers to questions, clarity, information, and reassurance of your personal bike accident liability and potential for recovery. In your free consultation you can generally expect to discuss such topics as:
- Your specific bike accident details, diagrams, and pictures from your perspective and then from the perspective of your bike accident attorney.
- The applicable local, state, and federal laws underlying your case.
- Your cyclist’s rights, obligations, and any potential liability.
- The process, procedure (in and out of court), and the time frame required to conclude your case.
- The value of your case and what you might expect as compensation.
You can call Arizona bicycle lawyer Ben Dodge of Bike Accident Attorneys, PLC at 1.855.663.3922 (855.ONE.EZ.CALL). Mr. Dodge’s staff is standing and ready to accept your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every single day of the year. Mr. Dodge will personally return your call within 24 hours. There is never an obligation for a complimentary consultation with Mr. Dodge. His passion is in representing cyclists and his entire office stands ready to serve with kindness and patience.
Bike Accident Attorneys, PLC
Call Ben Dodge today at 1.855.663.3922. Reach him by fax at 480.656.8334.
Mr. Dodge can also be reached by email at ben@bikeaccidentattorneys.com
His Main Offices are located at:
Mesa Arizona (Home Base Office)
4824 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 124
Mesa, Arizona 85206
Phoenix Arizona Office
2415 E. Camelback Rd., Suite 700
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
Salt Lake City Utah Office
299 South Main
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
St. George Utah Office
321 N. Mall Drive, Suite 103
St. George, Utah 84790
Mr. Dodge represents cyclists in the entire State of Arizona including but not limited to Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Gilbert, Peoria, Glendale, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, Tempe, Chandler, Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, Surprise, Kingman, Page, Lake Havasu City, Payson, Goodyear, Buckeye, Queen Creek, Paradise Valley, Show Low, Winslow, Maricopa, Nogales, Globe, Avondale, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Apache Junction, Carefree, Wickenburg, Pinetop-Lakeside, Strawberry, Anthem, Safford, and more. Ben Dodge is currently involved with bicycle accident cases all over the country and can assist in representation in all 50 states. He has helped cyclists in New York, Texas, California, Washington, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.