Bicycling has taken off in the last 10 years. Bikes are used for both exercise and transportation, but their surge in popularity has come with a cost. Across the U.S., 677 pedal cyclists were killed in 2011, and another 48,000 were injured in crashes with motor vehicles, representing 2% of deaths and 2% of injuries caused by traffic collisions that year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Sadly, this number accounts for 4% in California. In 2012, 338 cyclists were killed in California, and California had a higher number of cyclist deaths than any other state that year. • The average age of cyclists killed in crashes with motor vehicles is on the rise: 45 in 2014, 39 in 2001, 32 in 1998, and 24 in 1988. • 88% of cyclists killed in crashes with motor vehicles are male. • 71% of bicyclist fatalities occur in urban areas. • 20% of bicyclist fatalities occur between 6–8:59 p.m. • 19% of bicyclists killed in 2014 had blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher. • In 2012, 66% of fatally injured bicyclists were not wearing helmets. BICYCLE ACCIDENTS IN CALIFORNIA KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE INJURED Here are more sobering facts to consider. If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity. Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counselors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art. REMEMBER YOUR RITUALS Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? STAYING CONNECTED HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CLOSE IN A BUSY WORLD
Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t canceled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some. MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your
relationship. HUG IT OUT
Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut!
After an accident, there are steps bicyclists can take to protect their rights to recover. If possible, take pictures of the aftermath of the accident and collect information from the driver of the vehicle involved. This includes their name, insurance information, address, and license plate number. In addition, try to obtain contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, you should immediately contact one of our attorneys. We understand that cycling accidents can significantly impact your life and your family. The team at Travis G. Black & Associates has decades of experience dealing with insurance companies and successfully handling bike accident cases, including recovery, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the cost to repair or replace the bicycle.
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