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Only one state in the country has more registered motorcycles than Florida. The number of motorcycles in Florida has risen steadily over the past decade, from 539,303 registered motorcycles in 2011 to 645,012 in 2021.

There are plenty of reasons why. Population is undoubtedly a factor (Florida is the third-largest state by population), and the state’s year-round riding weather is also a factor. It isn’t hard to see why there are so many motorcycles on Florida’s roads.

Unfortunately, the fact that Florida has so many motorcycle riders also means that there are a significant number of serious and fatal motorcycle accidents in the state each year.

Florida’s Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Just how common are motorcycle accidents in Florida? Unfortunately, they are much more common than many people realize. Here are some sobering statistics:

• Florida Has More Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Than Any Other State – According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Florida has more fatal motorcycle accidents than any other state. Based on the GHSA’s 2017 data (the most recent data available), Florida saw nearly 100 more motorcycle deaths in 2017 than any other state in the country.
• Motorcyclist Deaths Account for Nearly One in Five Roadway Fatalities – The GHSA’s data also indicate that motorcyclist deaths account for 18.5 percent of all roadway fatalities in Florida. This is true even though motorcycles account for a far smaller percentage of all registered vehicles. This statistic makes Florida the seventh most dangerous state for motorcycle riders in the nation.
• Motorcycle Accidents in Florida Are on the Rise – As the number of registered motorcycles in Florida increases, so does the number of motorcycle accidents. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 8,045 motorcycle accidents in 2020 and 8,649 in 2021. Based on the FLHSMV’s most recent data, we are on pace to see a record number of motorcycle accidents in Florida in 2022.
• Motorcycle Accident Fatalities Are Also on the Rise – Tragically, as the number of motorcycle accidents rises in Florida, so does the number of motorcycle accident fatalities. While there were 552 motorcycle rider deaths in Florida in 2020, this number increased to 621 in 2021. The good news is that we are on pace for a slight decline in 2022—with an estimated total of approximately 550 at the end of the year.
• Motor Vehicle Drivers Need to Exercise More Care– While the public largely views motorcycle riders as risk-takers, the reality is that riders often are not responsible for their own injuries. Many (if not most) motorcycle accidents could be prevented if motor vehicle drivers exercised more caution and care on the roads. From tailgating motorcycle riders to texting behind the wheel, many common—and completely unnecessary—reckless driving behaviors of motor vehicle drivers are to blame for Florida’s high rates of motorcycle accidents and fatalities.

The Insurance Information Institute (III) has published some national statistics that are notable for motorcycle riders in Florida as well. For example, the Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that more than half of all fatal motorcycle accidents happen on weekends, with the most significant percentage of fatal accidents happening on Saturdays and Sundays between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

How Can Motorcycle Riders Protect Themselves on Florida’s Roads?

Given Florida’s high rates of motorcycle accidents and fatalities, what can riders do to protect themselves on the state’s highways and local roads? Some simple steps motorcycle riders can take to help protect themselves include:

• Wear Full Riding Gear – In addition to wearing a helmet, make it a habit to put on your riding gear each time you ride. Gloves, boots, riding pants, and motorcycle jackets are all designed to help protect riders from injuries in the event of a high-side or low-side crash.
• Listen To Your Surroundings – In Florida, it is illegal to wear headphones while riding a motorcycle (although riders can wear headsets for communication purposes). While riders can have speakers on their bikes, playing loud music can make it more difficult, if not impossible, to hear cars behind you or approaching from your sides.
• Pay Attention to Your Surroundings – In addition to listening to their surroundings, motorcycle riders should also remain visually alert. If you need to rely on your GPS directions, look at them sparingly—and only after you have checked to ensure you have a safe moment to do so.
• Ride Defensively – As a motorcyclist, you can expect the drivers around you to make mistakes. You can also expect some of them to act aggressively, perhaps even intentionally putting you in dangerous situations. When riding your motorcycle, it is important to always ride defensively. When in doubt, put your safety first, and never retaliate against an aggressive driver.

But, even if motorcycle riders take all of these steps, they will still be at risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries in an accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver. This is an unfortunate reality of enjoying Florida’s sun and the open roads. When riders get injured and families lose loved ones in fatal motorcycle accidents, they should consult with a lawyer about their legal rights. Serious and fatal motorcycle accidents can lead to substantial losses, and riders and their families will be entitled to recover these losses in many cases.

Discuss Your Legal Rights with Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Randall L. Spivey

Motorcycle accident lawyer Randall L. Spivey represents riders and families throughout Florida after serious and fatal motorcycle accidents. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in Naples, Port Charlotte, Cape Coral, or Fort Myers, he can help you assert your legal rights. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. at 888-477-4839 or reach us online at SpiveyLaw.com now.