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The Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle in Florida
A recent study illustrates the dangers associated with riding motorcycles. Motorcyclists should be aware of these dangers, especially in Florida.
November 11, 2011 /Government PR News/ -- As anyone who has ever ridden on a motorcycle knows, there's nothing quite like the exhilaration of being on a bike on the road. But, there's also nothing like the thrill of almost being clipped by car, where the driver didn't see you until the last moment.
A recent study from the Journal of Forensic Sciences entitled "Death by Motorcycle: Background, Behavioral, and Situational Correlates of Fatal Motorcycles Collisions" examines how people die in motorcycle accidents.
Unsurprisingly, it concludes motorcycles are a "dangerous mode of transportation." Among the findings from the study:
- Per vehicle mile traveled in 1994, motorcycles were 11 times more likely than passenger cars to be involved in fatal collisions.
- By 2007, motorcycles were 27.5 times as likely to be part of a fatal collision.
- In the U.S. from 2007 to 2008, motorcyclist fatalities increased in 28 states and the District of Columbia, while overall traffic fatalities decreased in 46 states and D.C.
- More than 87 percent of motorcycle fatalities were men. About 50 percent of fatalities occurred in the evening and late night. Nearly 60 percent of deaths occurred on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. Nearly 60 percent of deaths were from motorcycle crashes in rural areas.
- Over 51 percent of the fatal accidents involved motorcyclists and a collision with other motor vehicles.
As gas prices edge ever closer to $4.00 a gallon, more bikes will take to the road, creating more chances for accidents. Because so many accidents involve other vehicles, motorcyclist need to do everything they can to protect themselves on the road.
Wear a Helmet
Florida repealed its helmet law in 2000, and since then, the number of fatal crashes for every 10,000 registered motorcycles increased by 21 percent, suggesting motorcyclists without helmets are more likely to suffer serious and fatal injuries.
Almost half (47 percent) of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents in 2009 were not wearing a safety helmet.
A Local Problem
From 2006 to 2008, 94 percent of motorcyclists fatally injured in Florida were Florida residents. Seminole County, like much of the area around Orlando in central Florida, is congested, and this increases the danger for motorcyclists.
As many bikers are aware, there is an anti-motorcycle bias in Florida. Looking tough isn't a crime, but sometimes authorities are quick to side with a "soccer mom" in a SUV and find fault with the innocent biker. An attorney can aid with a post-accident investigation and ensure that fault falls on the party responsible for the collision.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Seminole county or anywhere in the Orlando area of central Florida, contact an attorney experienced in handling motorcycle accidents. They can assess your facts and work to help you obtain compensation.
Article provided by The Law Office of Scott M. Miller
Visit us at www.scottmillerlawgroup.com
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