40-Year Old Cyclist Killed By Motorist on Cell Phone

Santa Cruz, CAA recent bicycle accident has killed a 40-year old cyclist identified as Josh Alper of Santa Cruz. Alper was killed by a motorist on Highway 1 west of Santa Cruz. According to news reports, the driver of a Tesla was headed southbound when he crossed the centerline of the freeway into the northbound shoulder, colliding with Alper, at high speed.The head-on collision killed Alper immediately. This is the second cyclist fatality in Santa Cruz County for 2013.

According to the 2008 safety data from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), (2008 is the most recent safety data available) from 1932 through 2008, approximately 53,000 bicyclists died in traffic accidents in the US. In 2008, 716 bicyclists were killed and approximately 52,000 were injured. Of those killed, 13 percent were children aged 16 and younger. That same age group accounted for 25 percent of those injured.

Bicycle accidents causing personal injury are also common. Two main bicycle accident situations involve crashes with motor vehicles or accidents caused by bicycle defects. Either type of accident can cause serious personal injury. A bike accident can cause serious permanent injuries, including neck and spine injuries and traumatic brain damage.