Two recent Florida motorcycle accidents have promoted Florida police departments and safety experts to remind motorcyclists about the dangers of the road. In light of the recent accidents, which have claimed two lives, experts are especially hoping to remind motorcyclists to wear helmets. Many fatal Florida brain injuries occur in motorcycle accidents, and helmets have been proven to help prevent such injuries. Wearing a helmet can literally mean the difference between life and death if you are in a Florida motorcycle accident. In both recent Florida motorcycle accident fatalities, the victims were not wearing helmets at the time of their collisions.
Motorcycles pose some special risks. In fact, the number of motorcycle accident fatalities are 37 times the number of car accident fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to NHTSA, the number of motorcycle accident fatalities is on the rise, as well. Safety instructors and other experts note that there are many things motorcycle enthusiasts can do to help stay safe:
1) Get proper training and licensing before getting on the road. In fact, additional training – such as defensive driving classes – can help improve your chances of surviving a collision by giving you the expertise and skills you need to stay safe. Extra training with a good instructor also ensures you don’t develop bad habits which can lead to an accident. Refresher courses and additional training over the lifetime of your motorcycle ensures you stay safer on the roads as well.
2) Wear a helmet as well as the correct safety gear each time you get on a motorcycle. In addition to a helmet which is up to standards outlined by the Department of Transportation, motorcyclists should wear riding jackets, glasses, gloves, and over-the-ankle footwear, according to safety instructors and safety experts. It is important to wear safety gear even on short trips, since many Florida motorcycle accidents occur close to home. While safety gear will not protect you in every accident, in many cases it can help prevent serious injury and may protect you from fatalities in a collision.
3) Never drink and ride or use drugs and drive. It’s important to stay sober. Florida drunk driving accidents involving motorcycles can be just as deadly as impaired driving accidents involving other vehicles.
4) Respect the limits of your riding skills. If you are just starting out with motorcycles, stick to well-paved roads and streets. Do not go onto more dangerous terrain until you have the skill and mastery to do so. Even then, staying on well-paved and less busy roads is often safer.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Miami, Florida or in the communities of Homestead and Hollywood, Florida, contact the Flaxman Group for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your Florida motorcycle accident case.