Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
The Daytona Beach News-Journal recently reported on the tragic death of a motorcyclist in an accident involving a red-light runner.
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers know that Palm Beach County ranks as the third-deadliest county in Florida for motorcycle accidents.
A 56-year-old Port Orange man was riding north on Tomoka Farms Road when a 31-year-old driver heading west on International Speedway Boulevard ran the red light at the intersection. The bike hit the left front fender of the car and threw the rider off his motorcycle, according to law enforcement. The rider died at the hospital, while the driver suffered minor injuries. Authorities say the accident remains under investigation and charges are pending.
In 2009, there were almost 600,000 registered motorcycles in the state of Florida. Sadly, 402 riders and passengers were killed and more than 8,000 injuries were reported, according to a report released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Riders ages 45 to 54 accounted for nearly 23 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities, followed by 19 percent for riders 25 to 34. Ridgers ages 35 to 44 accounted for just over 17 percent. People 65 older and riders 21 and younger accounted for 6 percent of fatalities in each age group. About 92 percent of all riders and passenger fatalities were male.
About 40 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes happen on two-lane highways, and 40 percent occur on the weekend. Saturday accounts for 21 percent of such crashes. Forty-three percent of fatal crashes happen during the day while 19 percent happen at night.
Factors that cause fatal crashes:
-In 9 percent of crashes, the motorcycle was going 80 mph or more.
-In 21 percent of fatal crashe,s the motorcycle was going 20 mph over the speed limit.
-37 percent of crashes were alcohol-related.
Deadliest counties:
-Miami-Dade: 45
-Broward: 23
-Palm Beach: 18
-Orange: 25
-Hillsborough: 27
-Pinellas: 24
-Duval: 18
-Volusia: 22
Florida’s population has swelled in the last 60 years.The population has grown from 2.8 million in 1950 to more than 18 million today. The roadways can handle a lot of traffic, but crowded roadways are not good for motorcycle riding.
Enjoy your next ride by obeying traffic laws, riding within your abilities, staying visible by avoiding vehicle blind spots or wearing bright colors. Never drink and ride.
If you have been injured, contact an experienced motorcycle attorney. Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC have been representing car accident victims and their families in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Ft. Pierce/Port St. Lucie for years. Call us today to schedule a no-obligation appointment to discuss your case at 1-800-529-2368.
More Blog Entries:
Motorcycle accidents a constant danger in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, February 15, 2011
Motorcycle Awareness Month Aimed at Reducing West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accidents, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, May 3, 2011