The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office responded to an auto versus bicycle crash on the morning of Tuesday, January 9th. The crash took place between Via Real and Highway 101. The bicyclist suffered fatal injuries.
According to the sheriff’s office, the driver remained at the accident scene. The road was closed until the accident investigation was completed.
Dangers to Bicyclists
In 2021, there were 1,230 bicyclist fatalities, with over 850 lives taken in motor vehicle crashes.
The most common causes of bicycle crashes include:
Distracted Driving
More than ever, distracted drivers are endangering themselves and other road users. In a ten-year period, inattentive drivers claimed 32,657 lives. Distracted driving is any activity that takes your focus away from your driving.
The most common distractions include eating and drinking, changing the radio station, talking on a cell phone, having a conversation with your passengers, and setting a GPS or navigation system.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Poor road conditions accounted for 13% of injuries in bicycle accidents. A poorly maintained bicycle lane can cause a rider to lose control while trying to avoid potholes. Construction zones, often marked by lane closures and unfinished roads, pose a significant hazard to cyclists.
Poor Visibility
2021 data reveal that 31% of cyclist deaths occurred between midnight and 3 a.m., when visibility is the lowest. Cyclists riding at night should wear brightly colored clothing and attach flashing lights to their bicycles to be readily visible to motorists.
Speeding
Speeding is a major factor in bicycle collisions. Even when not pedaling, bicyclists can still gain significant speed downhill. Nonetheless, the faster the speed, the less time the bicyclist will have to react.
Impaired Riding
We all too often hear about motorists driving under the influence, but rarely about bicyclers riding impaired. Unlike drivers, cyclists do not have the same laws regarding impaired riding. While California law makes it unlawful for a vehicle operator to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, proving that a bicyclist was intoxicated is done through evidence. This will often include erratic riding or any evidence that the bicyclist’s judgment was compromised.
Traumatic Brain Injuries in Bicycle Crashes
Because helmets offer only limited protection, bicyclists are susceptible to head injuries. Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, bicyclists are in grave danger when they fall off their bikes.
Seen most often in car versus bicycle crashes, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes 30% of fatalities in injury crashes. It can occur in high-impact crashes when the head hits a hard surface (e.g., pavement) or when the brain is rapidly jostled back and forth. This trauma can disrupt brain function, having short-term and potentially long-term effects.
Symptoms range based on the severity of the injury but may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, and vision problems.
Do Not Delay: Speak with our California Bicycle Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a negligent driver, do not hesitate to speak with our legal team. We have successfully recovered damages for hundreds of bicyclists and are ready to help you. Contact us today online or by phone to schedule your free consultation.
