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Florida Motorcycle Accidents on the Rise

More people are crashing their motorcycles in Florida, according to recent statistics.  As gas prices have continued to go up over the last few years, so have the number of motorcycle crashes.

Across the country, motorcycle registrations increased from 3.9 million in 1998 to 7.1 million in 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  In Florida, there were 582,000 motorcycle registrations reported in 2007.

There has been an increase in motorcycle crashes with motorcycle fatalities accounting for approximately 13 percent of all vehicle crash fatalities in 2007, up from 5.5 percent in 1998.  Florida reported 530 motorcyclists’ deaths in 2007.

After a crash, the drivers of the other vehicles frequently report that they never saw the motorcyclist or were unable to respond in time, according to the highway safety administration and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Rex Barbas knows firsthand the risks that motorcyclists face on Florida roads and highways.  Barbas, a veteran motorcyclist, was struck by a vehicle who did not see him braking.  As a result, he sustained a broken pelvis and two herniated disks in his back.

According to Barbas, drivers do not look out for motorcyclists on the road.  “It’s like I’m invisible.  I know they’re looking right at me, but they don’t see me because they aren’t looking for me.  They’re looking for cars,” said Barbas.

Barbas said that one way that driver awareness of motorcycles can improve is by including it in driver’s education courses.  He also thinks that some changes to motorcycles can prevent the number of crashes, such as brighter brake lights, louder engines and handlebar streamers.

Lawmakers have revisited road safety concerns in response to the increase in motorcycle accidents in Florida.  A law was enacted July 1 that requires all new motorcycle riders to attend a 15-hour safety course that prepares them for the road.  Before this law was passed, only riders younger than 21 had to take the course.

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