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Both our seasonal and year-round population are expanding as many northerners, foreigners and students come to Southwest Florida to enjoy our beautiful weather, scenery, activities and attend school. With this increase in population comes an increase in vehicle traffic, including motorcycles.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety reports that between January 1, 2013 and July 31, 2013 there were 190 motorcycle crashes in Lee County alone, almost one a day.

Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. recommends, "Look twice and save a life because motorcycles are everywhere."

"I didn't see the motorcycle." According to Increasing Motorcycle Awareness, a Maryland State Government Initiative publication, "Drivers tend to look for other cars, not motorcycles. Because of its smaller profile, motorcycles are harder to see and it is more difficult to estimate the motorcycle's speed."  

LookLearnLive.org, sponsored by the Texas Department of Public Safety recommends:

• Look longer for motorcycles, especially when turning or changing lanes.
• Look for riders when pulling out on the road.
• Watch for motorcycles in your blind spot.
• Allow motorcyclists a four-second following distance.  Sometimes road conditions force motorcyclists to slow down or change lanes quickly.

The number one location of fatal motorcycle rider accidents is at intersections when a vehicle turns, in front of a motorcyclist. Before making a turn at an intersection, look twice to be sure traffic is clear.

It may be a natural instinct while driving to look at the vehicle directly in front or at the pavement lines, especially when turning or cornering. The recommendation of driver trainers is look ahead 1/2 to a full mile and scan from left to right.  Looking ahead helps motorists prepare for upcoming hazards and allows them to better see motorcyclists and any potential hazard.

"Motorcyclists and motor vehicles share our roads. Looking twice for motorcycles in our 'blind spots', and before turning or changing lanes will help decrease the number of motorcycle fatalities," said Attorney Spivey. "If you, or someone you know, are involved in a motorcycle accident, there are special laws and protections which cover motorcyclists. They allow injured motorcyclists to recover damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, long and short-term medical care expenses and lost wages.

Southwest Florida Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil 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.