Idaho Fatal Bicycle Accident Statistics
Idaho reported no bicycle fatalities involving a motor vehicle for 2015. This is down from two in 2014 and three in 2013. In 2009, there were seven deaths. This information comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The national average is two percent of all traffic fatalities involve bicycles. The total number of deaths nationwide was 817 for 2015. It was up by 13 percent from 2014, which was the highest number since 1995. Overall, bicycle-related deaths are down by 19 percent since 1975. The majority of deaths in 2015 have occurred with people age 20 and older. In fact, only 12 percent were younger. The number of deaths in cyclists under age 20 has decreased 88 percent since 1975.
Idaho has no state helmet law requiring cyclists to wear helmets when riding. However, studies show that helmet use reduces head injuries by 50 percent, which is the most common serious injury in these accidents. Wearing a helmet also reduces face and neck injuries by 33 percent. According to statistics, fewer than 17 percent of victims in bicycle-related deaths were wearing helmets. Only 21 states and Washington DC have laws regarding helmet usage.
Most bicycle accidents happen between 3PM and 6PM with over half occurring between 3PM and 9PM. They occur on major roadways that are not interstates. This changes when the victim is under the age of 20, where most accidents happen on minor roads. Only one-third of accidents happen at intersections.
Most counties have reported no bicycle fatalities for the years 2011 to 2015. No counties reported any deaths for 2015. Ada County is the exception for 2014 with two fatalities reported. In fact, the county had two deaths in 2013 and one in 2012. Ada County is located in the southwestern portion of the state.