Increase in New Jersey Bicycle Accident Fatalities
Image courtesy: Flickr - MoBikeFed
When gas prices began their stratospheric rise over last spring and summer, more New Jersey residents threw away their car keys, and dusted off their bicycles to be able to cope, a move that is being pointed to an increase in the number of deaths in bicycle accidents across the state.
As of early December, a total of 22 people had been killed in bicycle accidents in New Jersey compared to last year, as well as the year before. In fact, the fatality numbers this year are the highest they have been in six years. Most of the fatalities that occurred as a result of bicycle accidents this year, including the three that took place in Morris County, were related to people who were going to or returning from work at the time of the crash. The numbers have been distressing enough for the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic to plan new safety initiatives targeted at the bicycling community before the new year.
All across the country, rising gas prices had one very welcome effect – people were more willing to switch to cheaper modes of travel to get to and from work. This has meant less congested roads, and a decrease in car accidents because of the reduced automobile traffic on the roads. It has also gladdened the hearts of environmentalists, who found that years of promoting bicycling as a greener way to travel couldn’t do what a shoot in gas prices immediately did. However, it has also meant that across the county, more bicyclists have been at the receiving end of some motorists’ scant regard for the rights of bicyclists. Studies have shown that bicyclists do suffer from prejudice when it comes to motorists sharing road space with them. Aggressive driving and denying a bicyclist his rights is one of the more common reasons why accidents occur. As with pedestrians, when a bicyclist is involved in an accident, he bears the brunt of the impact. Many times, riders are thrown off their bicycles, and several feet into the air to land with shattering force on the ground. Even with helmets, serious injuries often occur, and as we’ve seen this year, fatalities also result.
Bicycle Accident Litigation
Pursuing a civil lawsuit for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident requires proving that the motorist involved was neglectful of the rights of the bicyclist, and that this resulted in severe injuries. An experienced New Jersey bicycle accident attorney can help build a case that results in the compensation the bicyclist deserves. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Scott D. Grossman for a free initial consultation.
