Florida Is the 4th Most Dangerous State for Motorcyclists

In Florida, a biker’s greatest pleasure is waking up, suiting up, and taking off on a motorcycle adventure to explore our state’s gorgeous coastal plains and lively cityscapes. Sadly, the actions of a negligent motorist can alter the course of a rider’s life forever. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 5,000 bikers are killed in motorcycle accidents each year. In 2017, this tragic statistic included 590 Floridians, making Florida the 4^th most dangerous state for motorcyclists in the country.

Drivers regularly put motorcyclists in danger by engaging in the following behaviors:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Texting or talking on the phone
• Tailgating
• Failing to signal
• Driving while intoxicated
• Fatigued driving
• Failing to yield
• Illegal turns and U-turns

While alarming, these tragic statistics don’t even include the thousands of bikers who are catastrophically injured by distracted, speeding, and intoxicated drivers every day. Erik Avanier, a reporter for News4Jax, recently interviewed local bikers, including Marcy Moyer, a motorcyclist who works for Jaguar Power Sports, about this data. Moyer explained that she isn’t surprised by the number of fatalities, and that she sees “a lot of people veering in and out of their lanes, and if you look at them, you see they are on the telephone. They’re not seeing me until it’s too late.”

The motorcycle accident attorneys at The Pittman Firm, P.A. have compiled the following safety tips to help bikers and drivers safely share the road this summer:

10 Safety Tips for Motorcyclists:

1. Always complete a pre-trip safety check, such as the T-CLOCs mnemonic.
2. Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and safety gear.
3. Attach reflective tape to your helmet and safety gear.
4. Never operate a motorcycle if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
5. Use hand signals and turn signals when turning or changing lanes.
6. Stick to the middle of the lane to stay visible to surrounding drivers.
7. Avoid weaving between vehicles or entering a driver’s blind spot.
8. Pull over if you start exhibiting the signs of fatigue: daydreaming, drifting, yawning, etc.
9. Stay hydrated and carry extra water bottles.
10. Always obey local, state, and federal traffic laws.

10 Safety Tips for Drivers:

1. Take care of your car to avoid breakdowns and potential accidents.
2. Never use a cell phone while driving.
3. Allow yourself extra travel time to avoid speeding.
4. Drive defensively and avoid using cruise control.
5. Pay attention to approaching traffic lights to avoid fast stops and starts.
6. Do not operate a vehicle if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
7. Check your mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before merging or changing lanes.
8. Don’t tailgate – increase your following distance by 4 seconds to give a rider space to maneuver.
9. Always use your turn signal before merging or changing lanes.
10. Be mindful of dangerous weather conditions when operating a motor vehicle.

Require Legal Representation After a Car Collision? Contact our Firm Today – (850) 784-6997

We hope these tips help you have a safe and enjoyable summer. However, if you’re injured by the actions of a negligent motorist, contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at The Pittman Firm, P.A. as soon as possible. Our skilled litigators can investigate your case, help you file a comprehensive claim, and guide you in securing restitution that facilitates your physical and financial recovery.