Motorcycle Accident

Overview

Motorcycle accidents occur all over the State of Florida. Unfortunately, Florida’s roadways are becoming more congested. Florida motorcycle accidents are frequent for a number of reasons. First, Florida has over 20 million residents and some of the best weather in the U.S. That means that our roadways are more congested than many other states and more citizens that drive motorcycles are able to drive them. Second, Florida has several major industries and trade routes all of the state. This means that more commercial vehicles are traveling our roadways. Third, Florida is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world. Fourth, Florida is home to some of the largest retirement communities in America (huge retirement destination that consistently adds to population). Lastly, Florida roads are filled with ever-changing construction. All of these factors may lead to a motorcycle accident.

Motorcycle riders and passengers navigate Florida roadways that are filled with construction, congested with vehicles, large trucks, and heavy commercial vehicles, towing equipment, trailers, and filled with foreigners and drivers from other states. Florida’s roadways are a melting pot of drivers and that melting pot may sometimes wreak havoc on motorcycle drivers and passengers. Below, you’ll find more statistics about Florida motorcycle accidents.

Florida Motorcycle Crash Statistics

In Florida, vehicle vs. vehicle collisions occur daily. Sometimes, the vehicle operators and passengers are unharmed and move on with their daily lives. However, if a motorcycle driver or passenger was involved in that same accident, the motorcycle rider may have suffered from significant injuries. Vehicles, trucks, and tractor-trailers are equipped with large framing, several airbags, bodily protection, seat belts, safety equipment, and some newer vehicles are equipped with automation to slow vehicles down. Unlike the operators of vehicles and tractor-trailers, motorcycle drivers and passengers are not protected by the above-mentioned safety luxuries. Motorcycle drivers and riders don’t have seat-belts or airbags, making motorcycle collisions exceptionally dangerous. Florida law requires all motorcyclists operators under the age of 21 to wear a helmet, however, Florida law does not require its motorcycle operators over the age of 21 to wear helmets, so long as the motorcyclist has at least $10,000 of bodily injury insurance coverage. Helmets may not always save a motorcycle driver or rider from injuries. Helmets may help prevent traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injuries, and/or death.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated the dangers of motorcycle accidents. It is estimated that in the U.S. during 2011, 11% of all fatal crashes involved a motorcycle. At least 8,600 motorcycle crashes were reported in 2011. Over 400 motorcyclists were killed in those crashes, almost 7,200 sustained injuries, and 54% that died were not wearing helmets.

Motorcycle Safety

Florida motorcycle drivers and riders should use safety equipment while operating their bikes. Helmets and other protective gear may not prevent serious bodily harm, but a helmet may prevent certain traumatic brain injury, certain head trauma, or death. Florida law requires motorcyclists to wear protective eye gear. Additionally, Florida law requires that all motorcycles be equipped with footrests and handlebars. Lastly, Florida law requires motorcyclists to maintain a valid motorcycle license.