Florida Motorcycle Accident Overview
With an estimated 6.6 million motorcycles currently registered in the United States, motorcycles have become a popular mode of transportation due, in part, to the fuel economy of motorcycles and scooters in the wake of rising gas prices. Due to the increased popularity of motorcycles, however, motorcycle accidents have been on the rise, as well. In 2007 alone, 5,154 motorcyclists were killed and an additional 103,000 were injured in traffic crashes on U.S. roadways. Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists were about 34 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in motor vehicle traffic crashes and 8 times more likely to be injured. While motorcycles make up slightly more than 2% of all registered vehicles in the U.S., motorcyclists account for 13% of total traffic deaths.
Many motorcycle injuries and deaths might have been prevented if more motorcyclists and their passengers wore helmets. Over 80% of motorcycle fatalities involved riders who were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. Wearing a helmet lowers a motorcycle rider’s risk of fatal injury by 29% and reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury by 67%. Despite the documented effectiveness of helmets, however, many motorcyclists still choose not to wear them, especially when state law doesn’t require helmet use, as is the case in Florida. Currently, fewer than half the states require helmet use by riders of all ages. Since Florida repealed its helmet law in 2000, the state has seen an 81% increase in motorcycle fatalities.
In 2006, 37% of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding, compared to 23% for passenger car drivers, 25% for light-truck drivers, and 2% for large-truck drivers. In Florida, motorcyclists are subject to the same speed restrictions as other vehicles. All motorcyclists are required to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent. Any speed in excess of the following speeds is evidence of unreasonable driving speed:
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20 mph approaching a school crossing
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30 mph in a business or residential district
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70 mph on limited access highways
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55 mph in all other locations, unless otherwise posted
Posted speed limits indicate the maximum speed at which you may drive in optimum conditions, however. Depending on weather or traffic conditions, the safest speed may be well below the posted speed limit. As a general rule of thumb, a reasonable speed is that under which you have complete control of your motorcycle. Be aware that driving too slow is also against the law. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Lucas, Green & Magazine at 1-800-4-INJURY now for a free initial consultation.
The Motorcycle Accident information offered by greater Tampa Bay area Motorcycle Accident Lawyers and contained herein, regarding Motorcycle Accident statutes and Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough County Motorcycle Accident claimants' rights, is general in scope. No greater Tampa Bay area Motorcycle Accident attorney / client relationship with our Florida Motorcycle Accident attorneys is hereby formed nor is the information herein intended as formal legal advice. See terms of use. Please contact our greater Tampa Bay area Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at 1-800-4-INJURY regarding your specific inquiry if you are injured in Dade City, City of New Port Richey, City of Port Richey, City of San Antonio, Town of St. Leo, Zephyrhills, Bayonet Point, Beacon Square, Blanton, Crystal Springs, Dade City North, Elfers, Holiday, Hudson, Jasmine Estates, Lacoochee, Land O' Lakes, New Port Richey East, Odessa, Saint Joseph, Shady Hills, Trinity, Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel South, Zephyrhills North, Zephyrhills South, Zephyrhills West, Belleair, Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shore, Clearwater, Dunedin, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Kenneth City, Largo, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Seminole, South Pasadena, Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs and Treasure Island, Florida. |
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