Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riding in Florida

Riding a motorcycle can be lots of fun and bring a great adrenaline rush. However, the very allure of motorcycles, not being caged into the passenger compartment of a vehicle, makes motorcycles inherently more dangerous than cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 82,000 motorcyclists suffered injury due to an accident in 2013. Even more alarming for motorcyclists, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association fatal motorcycle accidents are on the rise resulting in nearly 5,000 deaths this past year. Further, 1 in 10 fatal accidents in the United States involves a motorcyclist. Florida ranked third in the country with 287 motorcyclist fatalities in 2012.

Below are some safety tips when you are riding your motorcycle:

Wear a Helmet

Wearing a helmet can be cumbersome however, helmets save lives. Motorcyclists involved in an accident without a helmet are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury and are 3 times more likely to suffer brain injuries than their helmeted counterparts according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Further riding a motorcycle or moped without a helmet is a violation of Florida Statute §316.211 (2014) if you do not have a medical insurance policy over $10,000 and/or are not over the age of 21.

Wear Eye Protection

Again, not wearing any form of eye protection is a violation of Florida Statute §316.211. Eye protection can save you from becoming blinded by road debris, bugs, and protects your eyes from wind.

Don’t Split Lanes

While it may be tempting to move past traffic by riding in between cars, also called lane splitting, it is a violation of Florida Statute §316.209 (2014). Lane splitting is not only illegal but highly dangerous.

Be Alert

While being alert is a good safety tip for drivers of cars, it is especially important that motorcyclists stay alert while riding. According to the University of South Florida more than 60 percent of motorcycle accidents were the fault of the person operating a car. Motorcycles are more difficult to spot than another car, so while riding make sure to be on high alert. Further, being a defensive rider is a good strategy to avoid being involved in a collision.

While a motorcycle can be practical, fuel efficient, and fun make sure to take extra precaution while operating a motorcycle. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident it is in your best interest to contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help you get the financial relief that you deserve and need.