Stay Safe to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
On June 17, 2019, residents of Martin County, St. Lucie County and other Floridians rode their motorcycles to work in celebration of Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day. Riding on two wheels is a unique and fun experience, but it can also be a dangerous one when riders fail to do the following — take precautions to prevent motorcycle accidents, avoid safety issue citations, and wear the right equipment necessary for operating a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Accidents
Did you know the State of Florida ranks number 4 on the most dangerous states for riding motorcycles list? The list compares data based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration motorcycle fatality figures in each state and motorcycle registration data from the Federal Highway Administration.
While the Florida Driver Handbook says no one truly has the right-of-way, Florida Law states that someone must yield or give up the right-of-way and do everything possible to prevent a crash. Because many people are confused by the right-of-way laws, our community has witnessed several accounts of motorcycle accidents this year, including:
- A recent article by TC Palm shows a motorcycle and car accident closed roads and shut down traffic in Stuart.
- A 10 News report shows crash nearly severed motorcyclist’s arm because of driver’s failure to yield the right of way.
- TC Palm reports Fort Pierce motorcyclist hospitalized with serious injuries after crash.
Citations Issued for Failure to Practice Safety
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) and its Share the Road Campaign statistics for 2018, there were 1,114 citations issued in Martin County for failure to wear a helmet or goggles. In St. Lucie County, 149 citations were issued for failure to keep in proper lane.
If you’re a motorcyclist, it’s your responsibility to create a safer riding experience for yourself as well as other riders and drivers. Be proactive while riding. Know the rules and ensure you’re doing what you can to avoid safety citations.
Florida Motorcycle Equipment Law
Florida law states that a person may not operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless the person is:
- Properly wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head.
- Wearing an eye-protective device over his or her eyes.
But, there is an exception to the rule. The exception says:
- A person over 21 may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing a helmet if they are covered by an insurance policy that includes at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while riding a motorcycle.
Even if you have an insurance policy to cover your injuries, why not wear protective gear and play it safe while riding?
The purpose of Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day is to raise awareness of the number of motorcyclists, show that motorcycles exist for transportation as well as recreation and finally, show that motorcycles can help to reduce traffic congestion. Let’s do our part to keep this celebration a safe and happy one.
Recently Involved in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact a Knowledgeable Motorcycle Attorney
If you are in the Fort Pierce area and was recently involved in a motorcycle accident, contact Sholtes Law, PLLC. Andrew Sholtes is an experienced Fort Pierce motorcycle accident lawyer serving St. Lucie and Martin County who can begin working on your motorcycle accident case right away to help you protect your rights and obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Call 855-534-2509 for a complimentary case analysis.
Resources:
tcpalm.com/picture-gallery/news/local/martin-county/2019/06/02/motorcycle-and-car-crash-east-ocean-boulevard-stuart-and-monterey-road-in-stuart/1322484001/
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/316.211
flhsmv.gov/pdf/shareroad/2018sharetheroaddata-citationsbycounty.pdf
tcpalm.com/story/news/local/st-lucie-county/2019/04/08/fort-pierce-motorcyclist-hospitalized-serious-injuries-after-crash/3407180002/
