Bicycling deaths rose 8% in 2005; alcohol involved in more fatalities
August 25th, 2006 by Tim GrahlDid it seem that you read more about bicycling deaths last year? That’s because you did.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported this week that 784 “pedalcyclists” died in traffic accidents in 2005; that’s an increase of 57 deaths over 2004.
While overall highway fatalities rose 1.4% in 2005, the 7.8% rise in cycling deaths clearly outstrips the national rate increase. A press release from NHTSA reports increases in motorcycle and pedestrian deaths, but gives no reason for the rising bicycle deaths.
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Interesting. I wonder how much change there was in the ratio of drunk cyclists to non-impaired riders?
In other words, is the increase due to a higher proportion of drunk cyclists, or is the increase due to other factors such as more cyclists on the road or more dangerous conditions? My sneaky suspicion is that there were at least 8% more cyclists on the road in 2005 than in 2004. Given that new cyclists tend to have a higher rate of injuries and fatalities than experienced, it turns out not to be too unexpected.
The biggest lesson is probably that we shouldn’t ride (or drive) while intoxicated.
I just noticed in Gene’s article that he points out a 22% increase in drunk riding over 2004.