According to a study published in the American Medical Association journal, more than twice as many patients were admitted to hospitals in 2013 as there were in 1998 as a result of bicycle accidents. The survey revealed a rise in the percentage of skull and body injuries as well as a noticeably higher rate of injuries among riders aged 45 and over. In fact, throughout that time, there was an 81 percent increase in the percentage of injuries sustained by cyclists over 45. Additionally, more people were admitted to hospitals due to bike accidents than injuries overall. Older cyclists sustain greater harm in bicycle collisions and are hence more likely to require hospitalization. Read on to learn about the problem created on this topic by Sattiraju & Tharney.
Cycling’s popularity increased due to Lance Armstrong’s successful racing career. From 1999 until 2005, Mr. Armstrong won the Tour de France each year. He later lost those titles due to a doping scandal, but his influence on American ridership persisted.
Naturally, more cyclists meant more accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The increase was probably caused by both the immaturity of new cyclists and the changing demographics of bikers. But a significant issue is how this society views the road. The fact that bikers have the same constitutional right to ride on the road as motorists may be known to car drivers, but this information does not always translate into consistent behavior. It does not take long for bike riders to come across as reckless, negligent, hostile, and abusive drivers. More severe wounds than ordinary scrapes and bruises send riders to the hospital. In the same time period, head trauma increased from 10% to 16%, according to the JAMA report.
Many urban planning projects only include the flow of motor vehicles. Cycling is difficult because of years of mismanagement and bad planning that have marginalized their safety.
The increase in bicycle use might be a trend. It might once more start to decline to earlier levels. The reality is that bicycling offers numerous benefits and should be promoted rather than discouraged due to its health and environmental advantages. Trends in injury are a crucial piece of data. They should be put to use to increase bikers of all ages’ safety.
What to do if you get into a bicycle accident?
Following a bicycle accident, you should consult an attorney. An attorney can assist you in filing a claim and ensure you get the deserving compensation for your injuries.