A senior citizen was injured in a Port St. Lucie bicycle accident this week, a reminder that with the return of tourists and winter residents it will be more important to watch for bicyclists, pedestrians and older motorists on the road.
The Treasure Coast Palm reported the cyclist was struck at the intersection of Cashmere Boulevard and St. Lucie West Boulevard. The crash happened Thursday about 2:30 pm., according to St. Lucie County Fire Rescue. The man was transported by medical helicopter to a local trauma center.
Florida was the most dangerous state in the nation for bicycle accidents in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A total of 125 riders were killed that year.
Nationwide, 716 cyclists were killed and 52,000 were injured. As the popularity of cycling has increased for recreation and fitness, so too has the age of those most likely to be involved in an accident.
While those ages 45 to 54 are most likely to be killed — with 180 fatal accidents in 2008 — those ages 55 to 64 suffered 112 fatal accidents. And 67 riders over retirement age were killed in bicycle accidents in 2008.
For more information on cycling safety, visit the Florida Bicycle Association.
Freeman & Mallard is a personal injury and wrongful death law firm dedicated to helping motorists who have been injured in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce areas. Call today for a free consultation. 1-800-529-2368.