News-Press Sunday 3/8/15 biking safety feature
Nelayda Fonte, Guest Opinion
Lee County roads are not
particularly friendly for cyclists and walkers, and Florida continues to be
ranked as one of the most dangerous states in America for bicyclists and
pedestrians.
Over a two-year period Lee Memorial
Hospital's Regional Trauma Center received 6,062 trauma alerts that included
pedestrians or bicyclists struck by an auto. Of these, 40 died.
These statistics are not surprising
because the effect of speed goes from a 15 percent chance of fatality when
traveling at 20 mph, to a 45 percent chance at 30 mph and 85 percent chance at
45 mph. Drivers need to be aware their cars can be a weapon.
The Lee County Metropolitan Planning
Organization reports Lee County has had one bicycle fatality, 28 bicycle injuries
and 37 pedestrian injuries so far this year, through Feb. 22. Pedestrian
crashes account for 3 percent of all traffic crashes but result in 20 percent
of traffic fatalities. Bicycle crashes account for 2.2 percent of all traffic
crashes and result in 4 percent of all injuries.
Unfortunately, Lee County has a high
incidence of injuries from bike/pedestrian versus autos. Many roads have no
bike paths or sidewalks to separate walkers or cyclists from vehicular traffic,
and cars always win that match.
Just like buckling up in your car,
helmets should always be worn when bicycling. Safety should not have to be
legislated, but even when it is, people often do not heed the laws. Sadly, a
head injury can be fatal or severely life altering.
Most pedestrian injuries include
head injury, extremity injuries and occasionally abdominal trauma. Bicyclists
show up with head injuries, abdominal injuries and some extremity injuries.
Medical costs vary by each
individual, depending on the injury and length of hospital stay. The costs
continue to pile up if the patient needs rehabilitation, or nursing home
placement. The situation is made worse when a job is lost because of extended
absence. All of this can put significant financial pressure on the patient and
family.
Every citizen in Lee County can play
a part in road safety. We must all recognize that the roads are not only for
cars, but also are used bicyclists and pedestrians. Drivers need to keep their
eyes on the road not only for what other cars are doing, but also for
bicyclists and pedestrians.
Everyone has the right to travel
around by his or her preferred means. Always make sure you are aware of your
surroundings. Be respectful of those around you. Keep an eye out for bicyclists
and pedestrians. Avoid distractions when driving. Remember it could be you or a
loved one who is the pedestrian or bicyclist on the roadway.
Nelayda Fonte is a trauma surgeon
with the Lee Memorial Hospital Regional Trauma Center.
Bicyclist safety tips
•Ride in the same direction of
traffic on the street.
•Obey all traffic signs signals and
lane markings
•Be visible. Use headlight and
taillight when riding at night
•Wear a helmet
•Pay attention to your surroundings
Pedestrian safety tips
•If no sidewalks are present, walk
against traffic
•Be visible
•Look left, right and left again
before crossing
•Obey all traffic laws
- Florida bike crashes: 7 things that may shock you
- Share the road: Bicycle crashes facts (By the Numbers--7 graphs)
- GoPro view: SWFL bicyclists share their rides
- SWFL bicyclist deaths in the past year (photo slideshow of 12 cyclists killed)
- Nelayda Fonte Guest Opinion: Take necessary precautions when cycling, walking
- Editorial: Cyclists deserve to be protected, safe
-
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