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"Motorcycle riding is an activity enjoyed by many as a pastime.  For others, it is the only means of transportation.  Whether you are a weekend or vacation motorcyclist, a full-time motorcycle rider, or a motorist, knowing how to share the road will make the difference between a safe enjoyable experience and a potentially dangerous one ending up with a trip to the hospital with moderate to severe injuries, or even death," says Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

With close to 8.5 million motorcycles registered in the United States according to the U.S. Census Bureau and 574 thousand in Florida as of 2011, it is no wonder there are so many accidents involving motorcycles.  By far, motorcycles are the most fuel-efficient class of highway vehicle, at 50 miles per gallon. Because they offer minimal protection to motorcyclists and their passenger, and are capable of high speeds, they are considered the most hazardous highway vehicles.

Forty-nine hundred fifty-seven motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States in 2012.  Per vehicle mile traveled in 2012, motorcyclists were twenty-six times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and five times more likely to be injured. In Florida, alone, 456 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2012. (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Traffic Safety Facts  2012 Data - Motorcycles)

Motorcycle fatalities and overall casualties often peak during the spring and summer months because of increased riding during this period.

The causes of motorcycle crashes may be many; however, 42 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involved a vehicle turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking the vehicle.

Drivers do not always look out for motorcycles. It is important for drivers of cars, trucks and other vehicles to always check twice before entering roadways or changing lanes to be sure motorcycles are not in their path. Judging the speed and distance of a motorcycle is the vehicle driver's responsibility.  Vehicle drivers and motorcyclists each need to be proactive when sharing the road.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recommends the following for motorcycle riders:

• Be visible.
• Wear proper clothing.
• Use headlight(s) at all times.
• Ride in the best lane position to see and be seen.
• Communicate your intentions by using proper signals, brake light and lane position.
• Maintain adequate space from other vehicles when following, being followed, passing and being passed.

When motorcycles are sharing the road with trucks, the American Trucking Association recommends that motorcycles maintain at least a four-second following distance and stay far enough back so that the motorcyclists can see the driver in the mirrors.  They also recommend passing trucks with caution.  Looking for the driver in the mirror before beginning to pass and quickly moving past the truck.  Before pulling back into the lane in front of the truck, motorcyclists should be sure they can see the truck's headlights and some pavement. Passing on the truck driver's right side could mean being in the driver's blind spot, and it is not recommended.  Being aware of strong crosswinds or air turbulence coming from the truck when passing, could make the difference between a safe pass and an accident.  Strong winds could push the motorcycle out of its lane.

Drivers of cars, trucks, SUVs and other vehicles, larger than motorcycles, need to be aware that they may be sharing the road with motorcycles.  Motorcycles, may be smaller than other vehicles, and not take up an entire lane, but they have the right to use the full lane, and other motorists are not to share the lanes with motorcycles.  Motorists are required to yield the right-of-way to a motorcyclist.  This is one of the most frequent driver errors in collisions involving a motorcycle and another vehicle. Drivers need to continually scan the roadway in front, to the rear and to the sides to be sure there are no motorcycles, or other vehicle or bicycle in potential danger.  Motorists, as do motorcyclists, also need to increase the following distance when behind motorcycles to four seconds.

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.  VisitSpiveyLaw.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.