The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recognizes May 2013 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Motorcycles can be easily hidden in traffic, so it critical for motorists to watch for motorcycles to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Florida’s mild climate and beautiful scenery make it very attractive for Florida residents to own a motorcycle,” said DHSMV Director Julie Jones.
Our Weston motorcycle accident lawyers understand that the state of Florida was ranked as the most dangerous state in the country for motorcyclist fatalities in 2011. According to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were close to 450 motorcyclists killed here in the Sunshine State throughout the year.
There’s plenty going on in the state of Florida during awareness month. Make sure you get out there and get involved to help to make our roadways safer for everyone. You can find the events nearest you by visiting CycleFish.com.
The sad truth of it all is that we can’t always rely on the safe driving habits of others out there. That’s why it’s important that we’re doing all that we can on two wheels to help ensure our safety. One of the best things you can do is strap a helmet on. Riders without a helmet are nearly 50 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in an accident and about 5 times more likely to suffer a brain injury than those who are wearing a helmet.
You also want to make sure that you’re practicing your most defensive driving habits at all times. Stay out of the blind spots of drivers and steer clear of dangerous driving. Safe and defensive driving habits can keep you alive.
Oftentimes, motorcyclists are overlooked out there. You want to make sure that you’re seen at all times. Make sure that you’re wearing bright-colored clothing, your headlights and taillights are working properly and that you’re predictable in traffic. Stay a step ahead of the traffic around you.
As with any kind of driving, it’s important that you stay sober. Each year, we lose thousands of lives as a result of irresponsible and intoxicated driving. Stay sober and stay safe.
In the state of Florida, close to 20 percent of fatalities are motorcycle riders. These travelers account for close to 5 percent of the motoring public. And these accidents have only been getting worse in recent months. As more motorcyclists hit our roadways this summer, the risks for these types of collisions skyrocket.
“It’s a high-fatality type of vehicle,” said Edith Peters, a spokeswoman with FDOT.
Lastly, it’s not a bad idea to enroll yourself in a motorcycle safety course. We’re not saying that you don’t know what you’re doing out there. We’re just saying that it’s a good idea to brush up on your riding skills every once and a while.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, contact Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Motorcyclists Beware: Daytona Beach Bike Week and Accident Risks, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, March 7, 2013
Accidents in Stuart City and Elsewhere Land Sunshine State as 18th Most Dangerous, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, May 15, 2012