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Motorcycles may be fun to ride and an economical means of transportation, but they have very little protection from inclement weather and other motorists. The greatest danger for a motorcyclist is sharing the road with other motorists, and motorcycle injuries and deaths are on the rise. 

In Brevard County Florida, a 67 year-old Harley-Davidson motorcyclist died on Monday, September 19, 2016 according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The FHP report said that a 17-year-old woman in a 2004 Audi was traveling eastbound on State Road 524 when a car in front of her reportedly slowed down for an unknown reason when approaching Adamson Road. The result made the woman veer into westbound lanes of State Road 524 where the motorcyclist was struck, ejecting the man off the bike. The motorcyclist died at the scene. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that during 2014 (latest available data) the number of motorcyclists killed in accidents increased from 449 to 456. Even though they only represent three percent of the total number of registered vehicles in Florida, motorcycles are involved in 19 percent of the fatal collisions that occur in the state. 

Most of the motorcycle accidents reported in 2014 were the fault of the other motorist, not the motorcyclist. When motorcyclists are involved in accidents, even at low speeds, the accident can cause serious injuries to the head, face or neck or fracture and shatter bones, which may require surgery to treat properly.

 The three most common types of accidents which are reported by the NHTSA are: 

1. Loss of control of a motorcycle when attempting to avoid another vehicle
2. Sudden stops in an attempt to avoid a car or object
3. Other motorist maneuvers which force motorcyclists to take avoidance measures 

Close to half of all motorcycle crashes involve a collision with another vehicle. In many crashes, motorists claim they never saw the motorcyclist, or did not see the motorcycle rider until it was too late.   

“Motorists are required to drive responsibly and always keep the safety of others, including motorcyclists, in mind when taking to the roads. These motorists can make our roads safer and save lives by following the following recommendations from the Florida Department of Transportation,” said Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 

• Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width; never try to share a lane.
• Check for motorcycles by looking in your mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. Remain extra vigilant when entering or crossing intersections. In 2014, 15 percent (66) fatal motorcycle-involved crashes occurred within an intersection.
• Do not tailgate. Allow more following distance when following a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
• Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on driving – don’t drive distracted.
• Always drive sober. 

“Motorcycles need to be treated in the same manner as any other vehicle. Our roads will be safer for everyone, if motorists and motorcyclists work together. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact our experienced motorcycle accident team as soon as all medical and safety measures have been taken. Time is important in the possible outcome of the case,” said Attorney Spivey.

Ft. Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney,Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.