Bike accidents in Texas might be more common than you think. In 2022, there were over 2,300 crashes involving bicycles, resulting in more than 300 serious injuries and close to 100 fatalities. These figures spiked even further in 2023, as figures from the Texas Department of Transportation showed. By mid-2023, Texas had recorded an alarming 2,500 bike accidents.
Fatalities hit 100, and there were more than 400 serious injuries alone. In Houston alone, there were 16 deaths by June, and Austin and Dallas also reported high figures in accidents, serious injuries, and fatalities. “Bicycle accidents are becoming as serious and rampant as car accidents, and there is no better time to address it than now,” says an attorney at Schechter, Shaffer & Harris, LLP – Accident & Injury Attorneys. This article highlights the causes and effects of bike accidents and their dangerously increasing rate.
What are the Causes of Bike Accidents in Texas?
Driver negligence is the most important cause of bike accidents in Texas. According to statistics, the most common statement resulting from the accidents is that the driver just “did not see them.” This is quite important because it simply means people are not necessarily looking out for bikers when driving. Bike accidents are also caused by distracted drivers, either while eating or on other mobile phones.
Other bike accident causes induced by vehicle drivers are:
- Running a red light
- Failing to check blind spots when changing lanes
- Bicyclists could also be at fault for failing to ride in designated bicycle lanes.
What Are the Biggest Road Hazards for Bicycle Riders in Texas?
The biggest hazards for bicyclists, according to TxDOT or the Texas Department of Transportation, are:
- Railroad tracks: Bicyclists tend to cross railroad tracks at off angles, which usually results in accidents or leads to one. Railroad tracks should be crossed head-on, or at most 60%, to ensure safe passage.
- Parked cars: This might sound unrealistic, but a major cause of bike accidents are car doors opened by people in supposedly parked cars. It is therefore important to keep a distance from car doors to avoid this scenario, as it can result in serious bike accidents.
- Surface conditions: Bikes are available for different terrains and weather conditions. Riding the right bike in the right condition is important to a safe biking experience. Ensure you check the weather before riding into the sunset.
- Sewer grates: Bicyclists are usually not able to see sewer grates because there are many other things and events on the road to pay attention to. Riding over a sewer grate could cause a head-over-heel fall, which can cause many types of injuries. Wheels get caught easily in cattle and sewer grates.
The Possible Effects Bike Accidents Can Have On Individuals
Bike accidents have many effects, and they are, unsurprisingly, more dangerous and severe than car accidents. The blatant lack of protection a bicycle offers, as opposed to other vehicle types, is mainly responsible.
On the part of the victim, the most common type of injury suffered by bike accident victims are head injuries and broken or fractured bones. In fact, close to 60 percent of bike accident injuries are head and neck injuries. Traumatic brain injuries and head or neck injuries are also quite common. Other serious injuries caused by bike accidents are spinal cord injuries and internal organ damage.
Protection while riding a bike is quite important. Wearing just a helmet reduces the risk of head injuries from a bike accident by 85 percent. In other words, your life could be saved by simply wearing a helmet and other types of pads on the body. Ensure your helmet fits your head properly so it does not go flying off just before you hit the ground.
Conclusion
Bike accidents are more common than you think. Many times, they are more severe and more dangerous than expected. It is, therefore, vital to learn what causes it and how it can be prevented. After all, if it can be prevented, why allow it to happen then?
