If you enjoy cycling, it is vital to understand the various risks that you face while riding a bike. From slick roads and low visibility to chaotic traffic and reckless drivers, many factors could increase your chances of suffering an injury in an accident.
You should also take a look at bike accident injury data in order to realize the scope of this problem. On an annual basis, far too many cyclists suffer serious injuries.
Reviewing data on injured bicyclists
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that each year, more than 130,000 people suffer injuries due to bicycle accidents. Sadly, many bicyclists also suffer fatal injuries, and almost 1,000 cyclists lose their lives in accidents on the road each year. According to CDC data, male bicyclists suffer injuries five times more frequently than female cyclists.
The consequences of a bike accident injury
If you suffer an injury in a bike accident, you could face significant financial hardships. In a typical year, bike accidents generate costs in excess of $23 billion due to lost productivity, medical care and other factors. Whether you have to stop working or you take on massive amounts of medical debt, a bike accident could shatter your life from a financial point of view.
A bike accident injury could also disrupt your quality of life. You could face debilitating physical problems that interfere with your job and hobbies, and you could have mental trauma that haunts you for years. It is critical to focus on your recovery after suffering injuries in a bike accident.