Drivers of all ages can be found riding their motorcycles across the state. According to recent statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), more and more drivers over the age of 45 are hoping on their bikes and are hitting the open road. Unfortunately this age group of motorcyclists accounted for nearly 45 percent of the motorcycle drivers who were killed in accidents in Jupiter and elsewhere in 2010.
Although the largest increase was witnessed within this age group, more and more riders of all ages are doing the same. For that reason, the DHSMV is using the month of May to push Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, according to Governor Rick Scott. This awareness month isn’t only used to ask motorcyclists to be careful out there, but it’s also asking drivers of passenger vehicles to be safe, cautious and to share the road safely with our vulnerable motorcyclists.
“In 2008, Florida lawmakers passed a law that required training before getting a motorcycle endorsement on a driver license. Since then, we have seen the number of motorcycle crashes fall every year,” says Julie Jones, Executive Director of the DHSMV.
Our Jupiter injury attorneys understand that motorcyclists have some of the highest risks for injury and death on our roadways. Florida is actually the most dangerous state in the country for these kinds of accidents, according to recent nationwide statistics.
Our beautiful year-round weather brings out bikers of all ages from all over the country. With so many bikers on our roadways, risks for accidents are pretty high. As we head into the month of May, the number of these kinds of accidents typically spikes. Most motorcycle accidents are seen between March and May, with the highest numbers being in May, and that’s why transportation officials choose to recognize this month-long campaign during this time. Drivers are asked to work together to help keep our roads as safe as possible for everyone.
According to Florida’s law, all motorcyclists must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license before hitting the road. To obtain an endorsement, a driver is required to complete a basic rise course through the Florida Rider Training Program.
Florida Law Required Motorcycle Drivers to:
-Wear a helmet. This applies to drivers who are under the age of 21 and lack an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries.
-Wear the proper eye protection.
-Have foot pegs on their bike for passengers.
Motorcyclists are also urged to:
-Wear the proper footwear, meaning shoes that protect both the feet and the ankles and can grip the road well.
-Wear gloves to help protect the hands and to make them more comfortable.
-Wear long pants and a jacket to help to protect against windburn, sunburn, abrasions and dehydration.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident in Jupiter, St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale or in any of the surrounding areas, contact the Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez LLC. Call today to schedule a free and confidential appointment to discuss your case at 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accidents Prove Fatal
February 12, 2012
Life Lost in Car-Motorcycle Accident in St. Lucie County
November 29, 2011