2010 Master Plan Report Identifies High Risk of Bicycle Accidents in Pinellas County
According to a comprehensive report and master plan prepared for Pinellas County, crash data from 2007 to 2010 was reviewed in an effort to address escalating bicycle and pedestrian crashes in the county. The results were startling. Clearwater bicycle accident lawyers have also noticed a marked increase in pedestrian and bicycle crashes in the past decade since the report. Here is what you should know about St. Pete / Clearwater bicycle accidents.
Seventy Percent More Crashes than the Rest of the State
According to the same master plan report, Pinellas County, Florida saw 70 percent more crashes involving cyclists than the rest of the state.
Pedestrian Accidents Outnumber Bicycle Crashes 2 to 1
The report also showed that while bicycle crashes were on the rise, pedestrian accidents nearly doubled bicycle crashes, with many of both occurring on private property or in parking lots.
Most Dangerous Spots for Bicycle Crashes in Pinellas County
Among all the dangerous locations around the county, the same report also identified a handful of locations with disproportionately high numbers of collisions, injuries, and even fatalities.
- 4th Street from 9th Avenue S to 46th Avenue N
- Park Boulevard from Park Street to US 19
- West Bay Drive/State Road 686 from Indian Rocks Road to 58th Street
- Fort Harrison Avenue from Belleair Road to Drew Street
- Seminole Boulevard from Bay Pines Boulevard to Ulmerton Road
- Tampa Road from Orange Street to Race Track Road
- Gulf to Bay Blvd at the intersections of:
- Belcher Road
- Old Coachman Road
- US 19 and
- Park Place Boulevard
- US 19/34th Street (south of Park Boulevard) at the intersections of:
- 70th Avenue
- 62nd Avenue
- 22nd Avenue North and
- 5th Avenue North
Three Most Frequent Bicycle Crash Scenarios
Finally, the report identified three very specific situations where bicyclists are most likely to be involved in a crash with automobiles. These common situations are as follows:
- Car Turning Left in Front of Bicyclist
Many times, even where bicycles have a designated lane for travel, a passenger vehicle will be making a left turn and simply not notice an oncoming bicycle. Much the way that drivers may fail to see pedestrians or motorcycles, bicycles simply are overlooked or ignored.
- Right Hook Crash
This scenario gets its name, because it occurs when a car is making a right turn but fails to notice a bicycle directly between the vehicle and the curb to the right. As the car turns right, it sideswipes the bicycle, often trapping or running over the bicyclist. These are often very serious crashes, even though they are at lower speeds.
- Oncoming Bicyclists on Sidewalks or Opposing Traffic
Sadly, some bicyclists do not obey the rules of the road and contribute to their own injuries. Bicycles should not use sidewalks or travel against traffic. This can confuse drivers and lead to crashes.
Cyclists Need Insurance Too
Just because you don’t own a car does not mean you should ignore the fact that you are at risk each time you ride your bicycle. Given the alarming rate of uninsured motorists on the road, it’s up to each person to cover their own injuries, because if the person who hits you does not carry enough insurance (or any at all), then you may be left with no way to pay your medical bills. This is why it’s so important to at least get some form of basic coverage.
Injured in a Pedestrian or Bicycle Crash in Pinellas County
If you’ve been hurt by a negligent driver in the St. Pete / Clearwater area, call the law firm of Roman & Roman, P.A. to schedule a free consultation today. Don’t expect the at-fault driver’s insurance company to tell you the truth or protect your interests. Don’t accept a settlement or sign anything you don’t understand until you’ve talked to a lawyer first.
Resource:
forwardpinellas.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Bicycle-and-Pedestrian-Crash-Data-Report.pdf
