Florida Tops List of Worse States to Ride Bicycle
Florida Tops the List of Worst States to Ride a Bicycle Yet Again
Florida has yet again earned the dubious distinction of being the state where bicycle riders were most likely to meet with a fatal accident. According to recent statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Florida tops the list of the most dangerous states for cyclists with 6.2 deaths per 100,000 people, which is close to 60% more than the figures of its closest competitors.
The Tampa-St. Petersburg area fatality figure of seven deaths per 100,000 people is the nation’s highest and is followed by Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami with 6, 5.8, and 5.4 respectively. Even though the general people and the state administration may have thought that the 117 deaths last year that was the lowest since 2010 represented a turning point, Florida looks to be returning to its bad ways with 100 cyclists having perished till September, which makes it likely that the end-of-the-year toll would be around 130.
Identifying the Root of the Problem
According to experts, there is a multitude of factors that make Florida so dangerous for bicyclists. The population is dense and the state is full of elderly drivers and tourists who are not familiar with the roads, a potentially explosive combination. When you add to it, the tendency of people driving under the influence of alcohol and being distracted with texting, it is easy to see why the streets of Florida are a killing ground for cyclists.
Texting while driving is one of the biggest reasons for cycle accidents even though it is illegal to do so in the state. However, Florida laws prevent the police from pulling over drivers on the sole ground of texting. They need to have some other valid reason for hauling in drivers.
Action Taken to Address the Problem
Recognizing the gravity of the problem, The Florida Department of Transportation in 2014 increased the width of bicycles lanes from the existing four feet to seven feet. In 2016, they launched a campaign for better lighting in 2,500 spots that were more prone to biking accidents in the night. The more accident-prone parts of Orlando were also identified and educational campaigns conducted. However, the impact of these initiatives remains to be seen.
Florida’s Bicycle Accident Claim Process
Every bicycle claim is assigned to a particular insurance adjuster after it is opened. The adjuster is dutybound to attempt the pay the least compensation to settle the claim as he represents the insurance company’s financial interests. If you are lodging a claim, you should keep this in mind.
As far as bicycle accidents are concerned, Florida is a no-fault state, which means that claims must be first made to your own insurance company for medical expenses. However, if you are even 99% at fault, the law allows you to seek compensation for negligence for the remaining 1%.
Florida’s Biking Laws Are Simple
Bicycles are treated the same as vehicles and need to follow all the traffic signals and rules. Cyclists and pedestrians are at par if the bike is being ridden on the sidewalks. Riders are required to use designated riding paths when their speed is slower than the rest of the vehicles. The bicycles must have a regular fixed seat and cannot carry more passengers than they are built for. Bikes must have a braking system and be fitted with lamps if they are ridden between sunset and sunrise. There is no allowance for breaking laws by minors.
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident?
If due to a bicycling accident, you or your loved one have been injured or if there has been a fatality, you may be eligible to damages. The talented Boca Raton attorneys at Lavalle, Brown, Ronan & Schwencke, P.A. with a history of over 45 years can help you if you intend to/already filed a claim seeking compensation for a bicycling accident. Contact us today to schedule a confidential and complimentary consultation.