Originally Posted by
wphamilton
My understanding is that hit from behind are the least common serious accidents.
I view anything over around 30 mph as high speed, and I would think that all types of collisions should be included in "high speed interactions" between cars and bikes. Particularly I would not dismiss side touches and right and left hooks, since these are much more common that getting run down from behind.
If you're thinking only along the lines of getting run down from behind by a truck at highway speeds then a helmet isn't of much use.
Recent research indicates that "hit-from-behind" is actually a significant contributor to cyclist fatalities. I'll see if I can find the link - it's one of the reasons I no longer ride on the road.
Re. speed, I suppose we are all products of our environment. Here in south Orange County, CA., speed limits of 45+ are common on surface streets, which means that 60 MPH isn't at all unusual. That's what I am thinking of when discussing high-speed vehicles - and when I'm making fun of people who believe their bicycle helmets will prevent their deaths when struck by such vehicles.
<Edit> It's a LAB study, claiming that 40% of cycling deaths are due to "hit from behind".
http://bikeleague.org/content/new-re...cyclist-counts