Florida teen on bike injured in accident during Florida Bicycle Month

April 11, 2014 (Press-News.org) Florida teen on bike injured in accident during Florida Bicycle Month

Article provided by Parvey & Frankel Attorneys, P.A.
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One of the most common scenes in sunny Florida is that of a bicyclist, enjoying the weather through their favorite recreational activity. Bicycles are a part of daily life for many Floridians. However, even the most careful cyclists and pedestrians are at risk of injury due to the carelessness of inattentive drivers.

According to WinkNews.com, a Lee County Florida, teenager was described as "seriously hurt" after he was struck by a vehicle at an intersection in a Lee County residential neighborhood. The driver of the car has not been identified, and news outlets are asking for identity information, from anyone who may know who hit the 18-year-old.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a government agency that promotes health and safety nationwide, reports that "bicyclists face a higher risk of crash-related injury and death than occupants of motor vehicles." According to their 2010 statistics, more than 500,000 emergency room visits were due to injuries sustained by bicyclists, and nearly 800 lost their lives. Adolescents, like the young man involved in the recent Lee County accident, are among those with the highest reported rate of death due to bicycle injuries. Similarly, adolescents are included in the age group of those who account for 60 percent of emergency room injuries experienced while using a bicycle.

Bicycle injury prevention efforts in Florida

In 2011, the Florida Department of Transportation formed the "Florida's Pedestrian and Bicycle Focused Initiative." The safety campaign, called "Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow," involves a website with information for Florida residents, including news and resources related to preventing pedestrian and bicycle accidents and injuries. It also uses television, radio, social media and transit advertising to remind all roadway users that "safety doesn't happen by accident." While its focus is on alertness, it seeks to educate vehicle operators to be alert while driving, while also encouraging pedestrians and cyclists to participate in behaviors that can improve their own personal safety.

Florida Governor Scott announced that March 2014 is officially observed as Florida Bicycle Month, and his proclamation recognizes the Florida Department of Transportation's safety efforts, and the State's desire to reduce fatalities and serious injuries sustained by cyclists struck by motor vehicles.

Recommended Safety Measures for Bicyclists

The Center for Disease Control suggests the following safety measures for bicyclists:
-Use of a properly fitted bicycle helmet, for riders of all ages.

-Fluorescent clothing worn to improve daytime visibility.

-Reflective clothing worn in the evening or at night to improve drivers' ability to see bicyclists.

-Lighting attached to the bicycle, including white lights on the front, and red lights on the back, as well as any type of light on the cyclist, such as blinking safety lights.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can get your case started on the right path, and lead you in the direction of the best possible recovery.