Cyclist Fatalities Down, Injuries Up in 2007

The Florida Department of Highway Safety has finally released their 2007 Traffic Crash Facts report.  According to crash reports submitted by local police departments and the Highway Patrol bicyclist fatalities declined slightly to 121 (from 124 in 2006) and reported bicyclist injuries increased to 4,303 (from 4,227). The majority of deaths happened to people in the 45-54 year old age group and 5 cyclists less than 15 years old were also killed.  Of the 121 fatal crashes, 96 of the cyclists were not wearing a bike helmet.  The report does not break it down for bicycle crashes but 39% of all traffic fatalities involved alcohol.

The full report (including county statistics) is online at www.flhsmv.gov/hsmvdocs/CS2007.pdf.