Louisiana Bicycle Crashes Analyzed

The fatal bicycle accident rate per million population stands at 2.49 in Louisiana, higher than the U.S. average of 2.35. This is not a good result, not only because it is higher than the average, but also because bicycle use in Louisiana is much lower than in many other U.S. states.

Bicycle accident injuries are very serious, and can often be fatal. It is important to look at the results of a 2009 nationwide study to see how the number of bicycle crashes in Louisiana can be lowered:

Age
In 1998 the average age of cyclists killed in traffic accidents was 32, whereas the age of those injured was 24. The corresponding figures in 2008 had increased to 41 and 28 respectively.

Whereas children (aged 16 or less) accounted for 30 percent of all fatalities and 44 percent of all injured victims in 1998, these proportions had dropped in 2008 to 13 percent and 25 percent.

Alcohol
The impact of alcohol on bicycle accidents is high. Twenty-three percent of all fatally injured cyclists in 2008 had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

Gender
Bicycle accidents are a male thing. Males account for 87 percent of all fatalities and 79 percent of all crashes with injuries.

If you have been hurt in a car, truck, motorcycle or bicycle accident caused by someone else, contact the New Orleans accident attorneys of the Young Firm for a FREE discussion of your case. Order now our FREE lawyer book, "A Guide To Steering Through a Serious Vehicle Accident in Louisiana."