Recently, The Texas Tribune published an article explaining the increase in bike and pedestrian accidents and how these types of collisions may connect to the high rate of obesity amongst Texans. In 2014, 63 persons were killed in vehicle crashes in Austin alone. As of this year, more than 90 people have suffered fatal injuries in car and bike accidents throughout Austin.

How Might This Affect the Health of Texans?

Because Texas lacks safety options that can protect pedestrians and cyclists, many Texas residents are skipping out on walking or bicycling, and therefore skipping out on more active lifestyles. Numerous individuals believe this problem relates to the historic rate of obesity that Texas if currently suffering.

Shedding light on the topic, the medical director of Austin’s Health and Human Services Department explains most individuals have never considered the connection between transportation and people’s health. He states the environment in which people live actually plays a large role in a society’s health and wellbeing.

According to the United States Census, only 3% of people in Houston ride their bikes or walk to work. In addition, only about 13% of children walk or ride bicycles to school, a percentage that has greatly declined since 1969, when nearly half of American children participated in walking or cycling as a means of getting to and from school.

How Can Texas Address the Problem?

In 2014, the Austin City Council created a goal called “Vision Zero.” This goal was designed to eliminate any and all road deaths. Although the goal may not be attainable this year, a public health consultant and member of the committee states the following changes may help improve walkability and the ability to ride bicycles in more areas:

• Denser forms of housing
• Reduced speed limits
• Investment in better infrastructures

Injured in a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident? Our Austin Accident Lawyers are Here for You

At The Daspit Law Firm, our Austin car accident lawyers are devoted to providing aggressive and relentless legal advocacy for victims of various accidents. We know the aftermath of a collision can leave you physically hurt, emotionally distressed, and financially burdened. That is why we are here to provide top-tier services for the injured. When you become a client of our Austin car accident attorneys, we will take the time to understand your circumstances, needs, and desires, and can provide unyielding representation on your behalf both inside and outside the courtroom.

At our firm, we believe accident victims reserve the rights to pursue financial compensation. Call The Daspit Law Firm today, and find out how we can change your life today!