Annual deaths from motorcycle accidents in Florida have doubled over the last 20 years according to RideSmartFlorida.com. The increase in motorcycle fatalities has led the rise in overall traffic fatalities in the state. Although motorcycles account for a tiny fraction of the number of vehicles on the roadways they account for an outsize percentage of accidents and fatalities. While motorcycles represent only 3% of registered vehicles and roughly 2% of all Florida traffic accidents involve a motorcycle, in Florida, motorcycle accidents account for roughly 17% of all fatalities.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
One big cause of motorcycle accidents in Florida is wet roads. A recent story for US Army personnel pointed out some of the reasons why there are more motorcycle accidents on wet roads. The first and most obvious problem is visibility. Since motorcycles aren’t equipped with windshield wipers, it’s a good idea to put a rain-repellent product on the face shield of your helmet.
It’s also important to know that certain sections of the roadway are slicker than others when wet. Roadway markings, like the lines painted on the road, can be slippery even when dry. It’s best to sort of coast over these spots. Riders need to proceed slowly over such surfaces, stay upright, and avoid braking. If you need to brake, see if you can wait until there’s a less slippery patch of pavement.
“Black Ice” is also a notorious cause of motorcycle accidents in Florida. That’s why it’s a good idea after a sudden downpour to pull off the road for a while to let the oil that comes to the surface after a hard rain dissipate. Experts say that cyclists should avoid using the center of the lane when the road is wet, and try to stay in the tire tracks of the vehicle ahead because they have already cleared some of the water away.
Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents in Florida
Other ways to improve biker safety include avoiding drugs and alcohol when riding. Many crashes and fatalities involve riding while intoxicated. Practice Rider Conspicuity, that is, make yourself highly visible. More than 40% of all motorcycle crashes happen when a driver turns left in front of a motorcycle he did not see. Ride responsibly and don’t speed. Speeding is another major factor in needless motorcycle accidents death and injury.
Most vehicle accidents come down to driver error. According to statistics, the car driver is usually to blame for motorbike accidents, not the motorcyclist. Most of the time, the other driver was simply unaware of the motorcycle, but this does not absolve them of accountability. The Orlando Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm has been helping accident victims recover losses for 35 years. Call 866-730-3508 to schedule a free consultation. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida.
