Motorcycle Accidents Follow the Sales Trend: Upward
July 8, 2015
Involved in a Florida Motorcycle Accident
According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, motorcycle sales were up 8.2 percent for the first quarter of 2015. They were also up for Florida Motorcycle Accidents. While this is good news for the industry, it may also foretell an increase in motorcycle fatalities. In 2014, motorcycle deaths were exceedingly high. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), there were 4,584 motorcycle fatalities in that year alone. In fact, while motorcycles account for only three percent of vehicles on the road, motorcycle riders account for 14 percent of all motor vehicle deaths in the United States.
GHSA reports that the 2014 fatality rate is double that of the late 1990s. These statistics are even more disturbing because auto deaths have dropped significantly during that same time frame, mainly due to improved safety features on cars and trucks. In the 90s, motorcycle deaths only accounted for five percent of motor vehicle deaths, compared to the current 14 percent. GHSA’s report blames the increase on several factors, including lax helmet laws, excessive speeding, and drug and alcohol use.
Universal Helmet Laws
Only 19 states have universal helmet laws which require all riders to wear a helmet at all times. The majority of the remaining states only require helmets for riders under 18 or 21. According to GHSA, in states without universal helmet laws, only 50 percent (or less) of riders choose to wear a helmet. The reality is, motorcycle deaths are significantly lower in states with universal helmet laws. The top three states for motorcycle fatalities are California, Texas, and Florida, none of which has the universal helmet law. In other reports, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has said that nationwide universal helmet laws would save approximately 800 lives a year.
While helmets are of extreme importance and benefit, the GHSA believes there is more to staying safe than just wearing a helmet. Excessive speeding, invalid licenses, and drugs and alcohol use are all common in fatal Florida motorcycle accidents. There is also a lot to be said for anti-lock brake systems. According to the GHSA, the rate of fatal crashes is 31 percent lower for motorcycles with ABS. Per mile driven, motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle crash. With that knowledge at hand, choosing to wear a helmet, maintaining your bike, and utilizing safe riding practices may be the difference between life and death.
Jodat Law Group and Florida Motorcycle Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be facing mounting medical bills and the added cost of time off work. If your injury was due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, transportation, pain and suffering, and lost wages. At Jodat Law Group, we understand the complexities surrounding Florida motorcycle accident cases. An unfair bias against motorcycle riders is a very real thing, even in the court room. We have extensive experience protecting the rights of motorcycle riders across Florida, and we can help you. Our dedicated legal team will be with you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.