bicycle safety

Both Lee and Collier counties are among the deadliest counties in the nation for bicyclists, according to new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In fact, 14 of the deadliest counties in America for bicycle riders were located in Florida.

Lee County’s 29 cycling deaths gave it a death rate per 100,000 of nearly 4. Bad enough to rank it 13th deadliest in the nation. Our bicycle accident lawyers have long flagged the Sunshine State as the nation’s most dangerous for both cyclists and walkers, a fact again supported by the latest statistics. Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee counties were the three deadliest in the nation. Other Florida counties on the list include Pinellas (5), Volusia (7), Marion (9), Hillsborough (10), Duval (12), Brevard (14), Osceola (16), Broward (17), Polk (18), and Collier (20).

Collier’s 12 cycling deaths gave it 3.19 deaths per 100,000.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projects a slight decline in the final tally of traffic fatalities in 2018, even as the number of pedestrian and bicycle deaths continues to rise.

Overall traffic deaths are projected to decline by 1 percent, Forbes reported. However, pedestrian deaths were up 4 percent last year, while bicycle deaths surged 10 percent. Both were already at historic highs. Nationwide, more than 36,000 people were killed on the roads last year.

Our injury lawyers in Fort Myers note Southwest Florida continues to be one of the deadliest areas in the nation for bicycle and pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association reports California, Florida and Texas annually report the highest number of pedestrian deaths. All three states join Arizona and Georgia in reporting more than 100 pedestrian deaths a year and together account for nearly half of the nation’s fatal pedestrian accidents.

Articles Tagged with bicycle safety

SWFL Among Nation’s Deadliest Areas for Cyclists

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety in SWFL