HUNTINGTON BEACH BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Many people choose to commute using bicycles instead of vehicles. Not only does this choice allow the commuter to save money on gas and vehicle upkeep and maintenance, but it is also good for the environment! Unfortunately, cyclists do face dangers on the road. Uneducated or distracted drivers pose a huge risk to cyclists, who have less protection and safety features and are thus much more vulnerable to injury on the road.

Bicycle Injury Statistics in California

Bicycle accidents are all too common. The state of California led the nation with cyclists killed in motor vehicle collisions in 2014.

Consider these statistics:

• In 2014, 338 cyclists were killed in California in motor vehicle collisions - more than any other state in the nation.
• Across the United States, bicyclist deaths increased by 16% between 2010 and 2012.
• Nationwide, bicyclists account for 2% of traffic fatalities; in California, this number is doubled to 4%.
• Adult male bicyclists aged 20 and older constitute the greatest at-risk group, with this demographic accounting for 74% of all cyclist fatalities in 2012.
• Alcohol use and failure to wear a helmet are 2 contributing factors in bicyclist fatalities.

"Three Feet for Safety Act" - Learn About the California Buffer Law

In recent years, new state laws have been enacted to protect cyclists. For example, in the state of California a law was passed to prohibit drivers from getting any closer than three feet to a cyclist in any direction. This gives the cyclist a safe "buffer zone" of protection. If a driver fails to observe this rule and is caught, he or she could face hundreds of dollars in fines.