Tampa Bay Has The Highest Cyclist Death Rate In The U.S.

As the fall approaches in Florida (Fall in Florida, what’s that?), we all try to enjoy the outdoors just a little bit more. For many of us, that means taking our bikes out for a ride.

Unfortunately, Tampa Bay metro area and the State of Florida as a whole has the highest cyclist fatality rate of any major area in the U.S., according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The number of cyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide hit 840 in 2016. That was the most since 1991 and a 35% jump from 2010. The two largest factors in the increased cyclist fatalities are an increase in vehicular traffic and distracted drivers. Texting and Alcohol are the largest contributors to distracted drivers with over 12% of drivers in these types of crashes having at least 0.08 blood-alcohol content.

Smart Bicycle Safety Tips

• Wear a Properly Fitted Bicycle Helmet – Protect your brain, save your life.
• See and Be Seen – You need to be seen by others. Wear bright colors when riding day or night. Also wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights.
• Go With the Traffic Flow – Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it
• Stay Alert at All Times – Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for hazards on the roads or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. Don’t wear a headset when you ride.
• Look Before Turning – When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.

Tampa Bay Car Accident Attorneys

The Tampa Bay car accident lawyers at SouthShore Injury Attorneys are dedicated to helping car accident victims. Our accident attorneys have years of experience helping those who were injured by another driver’s negligence.

If you or a loved one have been injured in Tampa Bay our Car Accident lawyers are available to assist you around the clock. Contact Us as soon as possible for a Free Consultation so we can begin working to protect your rights. We can be reached by phone, email, or through our Contact Us Page.