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| Bicycle Traffic Accident Reconstruction Expert |
Providing Quality Accident Reconstruction and Investigation
| 10 - 14 year old children are involved in more injury bicycle crashes than any other age group. - IL DOT |
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported in 2005 that bicycle sales had reached a 30-year high.
In addition, the number of bicycles sold in 2007 surpassed the number of motor vehicles that were
sold the same year. These are telling statistics because they illustrate how many bicyclists are
among U.S. roadways.
Bicycle accident reconstruction requires a unique analysis due to the unusual dynamic interaction
that takes place when vehicles and bicyclists collide. At impact, the motion of the bicyclist is
contingent upon a number of variables, such as the size of the rider or the speed and
configuration of the vehicle.
In addition, there are often significant environmental factors that can affect a bicycle accident,
such as roadway configuration or lighting. One of the leading causes of bicycle related traffic
accidents is a failure of the motorist to see the bicyclist due to inattention.
This is not to say that when a car and bicycle collide, that the bicyclist is always without fault.
Bicyclists, just like motorists, can fail to yield the right of way or operate their bicycle in a reckless
fashion. Many states, such as Illinois, have specific traffic laws relating to the operation of a
bicycle on a roadway.
Regardless of how a vehicle and bicycle collide, the crash will generally involve injury to the
bicyclist. About 75% of fatal or incapacitating injuries arise out of serious head trauma. Yet even
when proper precautions, such as helmet use, are observed by riders, there is still a substantial
risk of injury in the event of an accident. Experts estimate that 70% of bicycle accidents result in
the bicyclist requiring emergency medical attention or hospitalization.
In addition, the number of bicycles sold in 2007 surpassed the number of motor vehicles that were
sold the same year. These are telling statistics because they illustrate how many bicyclists are
among U.S. roadways.
Bicycle accident reconstruction requires a unique analysis due to the unusual dynamic interaction
that takes place when vehicles and bicyclists collide. At impact, the motion of the bicyclist is
contingent upon a number of variables, such as the size of the rider or the speed and
configuration of the vehicle.
In addition, there are often significant environmental factors that can affect a bicycle accident,
such as roadway configuration or lighting. One of the leading causes of bicycle related traffic
accidents is a failure of the motorist to see the bicyclist due to inattention.
This is not to say that when a car and bicycle collide, that the bicyclist is always without fault.
Bicyclists, just like motorists, can fail to yield the right of way or operate their bicycle in a reckless
fashion. Many states, such as Illinois, have specific traffic laws relating to the operation of a
bicycle on a roadway.
Regardless of how a vehicle and bicycle collide, the crash will generally involve injury to the
bicyclist. About 75% of fatal or incapacitating injuries arise out of serious head trauma. Yet even
when proper precautions, such as helmet use, are observed by riders, there is still a substantial
risk of injury in the event of an accident. Experts estimate that 70% of bicycle accidents result in
the bicyclist requiring emergency medical attention or hospitalization.
In November of 2006, NHTSA published a
national guideline aimed at increasing
bicycle safety, including specific
references to helmet use and rider
awareness.
To read NHTSA publication, please click
here.
national guideline aimed at increasing
bicycle safety, including specific
references to helmet use and rider
awareness.
To read NHTSA publication, please click
here.
In addition, Illinois bicycle traffic accident
fatalities and statistics are maintained by
the Illinois Department of Transportation.
To read about Illlinois' 2008 bicycle crash
statistics, please click here.
fatalities and statistics are maintained by
the Illinois Department of Transportation.
To read about Illlinois' 2008 bicycle crash
statistics, please click here.
The front end height of a vehicle is one of the
most influential variables affecting the
dynamic interaction between a bicyclist and a
motor vehicle.
When struck by a low front end vehicle, the
bicyclist can slap the hood or windshield of
the vehicle before being projected up the
roadway.
Depending on the type of collision, equations,
both theoretical and empirical, may exist to
derive impact speed for the striking vehicle.
most influential variables affecting the
dynamic interaction between a bicyclist and a
motor vehicle.
When struck by a low front end vehicle, the
bicyclist can slap the hood or windshield of
the vehicle before being projected up the
roadway.
Depending on the type of collision, equations,
both theoretical and empirical, may exist to
derive impact speed for the striking vehicle.
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Data Services, LLC. Each investigation is different. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. The results of any investigation/reconstruction do not
guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case undertaken by Crash Data Services, LLC
be legal advice or an expert opinion and should not be construed as such. The use of this site does not create a contractor/client relationship with any employee of Crash
Data Services, LLC. Each investigation is different. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. The results of any investigation/reconstruction do not
guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case undertaken by Crash Data Services, LLC