Motorcycle Safety Tips
Florida is #1 in the nation when it comes to motorcycle fatalities according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The federal agency also found that motorcyclists accounted for one-fifth (19%) of vehicle deaths in the state, while only making up about 7% of licensed motorists. Part of the reason for the high fatality rate could be attributed to Florida’s helmet laws. Florida law does not require motorcyclists operators or passengers to wear a helmet, even though studies show that it can make a lifesaving difference in an accident.
Many factors can cause a deadly motorcycle accident. We have a network of highways in Florida and a large population, especially in the major cities. This congestion, coupled with impatience, can cause cars to make quick change lanes and navigate our roads at unsafe speeds, putting motorcyclists in danger. Roads can be slick from severe weather like we get in the rainy months of Summer. An object in the road can also have devastating results for a motorcyclist.
Florida is #1 In Deadly Motorcycle Accidents
Florida is #1 in the nation when it comes to motorcycle fatalities according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The federal agency also found that motorcyclists accounted for one-fifth (19%) of vehicle deaths in the state, while only making up about 7% of licensed motorists. Part of the reason for the high fatality rate could be attributed to Florida’s helmet laws. Florida law does not require motorcyclists operators or passengers to wear a helmet, even though studies show that it can make a lifesaving difference in an accident.
Many factors can cause a deadly motorcycle accident. We have a network of highways in Florida and a large population, especially in the major cities. This congestion, coupled with impatience, can cause cars to make quick change lanes and navigate our roads at unsafe speeds, putting motorcyclists in danger. Roads can be slick from severe the weather Florida get during the rainy season. An object in the road can also have devastating results for a motorcyclist.
Let’s keep our communities and our bike lovers safe.
Safety tips for sharing the road with motorcycles:
- Motorists must respect motorcycle riders as they vehicles and have the same privileges as any automobile on the road, except they don’t have airbags, so it’s important to give bikers plenty of room.
- Drive defensively, be on the lookout and listen for bikes. Even though some motorcycles are loud, you may not always hear them so actively look for motorcycles when you are traveling.
- Don’t tailgate any vehicle but especially motorcycles. Road conditions can vary quickly especially in Florida. Slick roads or heavy traffic can require a biker to have to respond rapidly, and their movements differ from that of a car.
- Most automobile/motorcycle crashes occur during left-hand turns, so stay alerted while driving and use caution when making a left-hand turn.
Don’t be a distracted driver and focus on driving your vehicle. Just taking your eyes off the road for two seconds doubles your risk of getting into a crash.
Safety Tips Motorcyclists on the Road:
- To reduce the risk of injury or death in a collision, always wear protective gear when riding, including a helmet with a high protection standard, protective clothing and eyewear, and closed-toe shoes. Remember, the only thing protecting you from the pavement is your protective wear.
- Increase your bike’s visibility by keeping your headlight, marker and tail lights on. Buy protective wear that is brightly colored or wear a protective reflective vest over your clothing.
- Avoid driving in other cars or trucks blind spots by hanging back for three to four car lengths from the vehicle directly in front of you.
- Make good choices and avoid weaving between lanes while riding, use your turn signals and don’t speed.
- Take a motorcycle safety driving class before you hit the road. Completing a safety course will make you a better rider and save you money on your motorcycle insurance.
Please be safe drivers, Tampa Bay. And remember, phones and driving don’t mix! We see it all the time, and it is a tragedy when an accident could have been avoided just by putting the away.
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