Florida has a bad reputation for road safety. Out-of-state people often reference our bad drivers and unsafe streets. And, unfortunately, they’re not wrong. Year after year, Florida makes the top ten most dangerous states for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in the state of Florida, Osborne & Francis are here to help you. To learn more about the bicycle accident lawsuit process or to schedule a free case evaluation, contact us online or at (561) 293-2600.
Statewide Bicycle Accidents
In 2022, there were a total of 7,132 crashes that involved bicycles in Florida. Bicycles were involved in approximately 2% of all Florida crashes. While that is a low number, you have to take into account the number of vehicles on the road.
In Florida, there are just under 8 million registered automobiles and nowhere close to as many bicycles. Unfortunately, because there are drastically fewer bicycles on the road, motor vehicle drivers aren’t diligent about checking their blindspots or paying attention to the bike lane.
Therefore, cyclists get overlooked by drivers that are in a hurry, distracted, or otherwise negligent.
Florida Bicycle Accident Fatalities
Out of the 7,132 bicycle accident crashes that occurred in 2022, there were 212 fatalities (~3%). Bicycle accident fatalities may occur at the scene of the accident or because of injury complications.
Because bicyclists are exposed, their accidents can be more severe. Traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and internal injuries are all commonly associated with bike accidents. These injuries can result in high medical bills and a great change to one’s quality of life.
Minor injuries like soft tissue damage, broken bones, and lacerations are also quite common. While they don’t rack up as much in medical bills, victims could still owe thousands.
What Causes Florida Bicycle Accidents?
Florida bicycle accidents are commonly caused by negligent drivers. When a driver doesn’t act with the safety of others in mind, they can cause an accident. For example, a driver who is texting, drinking, or otherwise distracted while driving is acting with negligence.
However, a clearheaded driver who happens to run a stop sign or doesn’t check for a cyclist before turning is also acting with negligence. Negligent drivers never mean for an accident to happen as a result of their actions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that failing to yield is the highest factor in fatal bicycle crashes, followed by bicyclists not being visible to drivers.
Other common causes of bicycle accidents include:
Where & When Do Bike Accidents Occur?
According to the NHTSA:
- Bicycle deaths occur the most during the summer months
- Three-quarters of all bicycle deaths occur in urban areas
- 64% of bicycle deaths occur on roads away from intersections
- 27% occur at intersections
It’s no surprise that bicycle accidents increase during the summer months. It’s warm outside, and more people feel like taking their bikes for a spin. Unfortunately, that Summer ride through the city can turn deadly.
Who Gets into Bicycle Accidents?
In the United States, nearly 1,000 bicyclists are killed, and 130,000 are injured each year. Out of those 130,000 plus injuries and fatalities, adults aged 55-69 have the highest death rates. Teens and young adults, however, have the highest injury rates. People ages 10-24 account for approximately a third of all bicycle-related injuries in emergency rooms across the country.
On top of that, male cyclists are 6 times more likely to get into a fatal bicycle accident when compared to females. They’re also 5 times more likely to be injured as a result of a bicycle accident.
The Most Dangerous Cities for Cyclists
According to a study performed by Dangerous by Design, the following cities are the most dangerous for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists:
- Orlando, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
- Miami, FL
- Ontario, CA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Memphis, TN
- Phoenix, AZ
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
As you can see, Florida holds the top four spots for dangerous cities across the country. That’s almost half the top ten list. These cities are not built for vulnerable road users, and the drivers here act with negligence nearly every time they get behind the wheel. In Florida, it’s important to stay safe and vigilant as a cyclist.
Florida Streets Cyclists Should Avoid
If you’re out cycling, you may want to take the back roads and avoid some of these dangerous Florida streets. These streets and intersections are known for being hot spots for accidents that involve vulnerable road users.
Orlando Streets and Intersections
- Sand Lake Road at John Young Parkway
- Goldenrod Road & University Boulevard
- State Highway 50 – East Colonial
- State Highway 436 – Semoran Boulevard
- Conroy Road
- Oak Ridge Road
Boca Raton Streets and Intersections
- Atlantic Avenue
- Lyons Road
- State Road 7 – US 441
- Southern Boulevard
- South Military Trail & Atlantic Avenue
- Glades Road
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Florida
If you or a family member is involved in a Florida bicycle accident, it’s time to get the compensation that you deserve. Hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney is the best way to ensure that you get full and fair compensation.
To schedule a free case evaluation, contact us online or at (561) 293-2600.
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