Motorcycle Accident Deaths Decline -- But Florida Still Among Worst in Nation for Helmet Use
Nationally, motorcycle accident deaths have been declining. However, a national highway safety group gives Florida a "poor" rating when it comes to its motorcycle helmet use law. In Florida, only motorcyclists age 20 and under are required to wear helmets.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released a report this spring stating that motorcycle traffic accident deaths have declined in the United States by 2 percent -- down from 4,465 motorcycle accident fatalities in 2009 to 4,376 accidental deaths in 2010. The previous year saw an even more dramatic drop of 16%, which translates to lives saved.
However the authors of the report are still concerned about risks for motorcycle traffic accident fatalities, particularly as motorcycle helmet use is down from 67 percent in 2009 to only 54 percent in 2010. The GHSA recommends that states strive to push forward increased helmet use, in an effort to save lives and prevent head injuries and deaths when motorcycle accidents occur.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida motorcycle accident injury lawyers are well aware of the devastating injuries that can occur when a motorcycle operator is involved in an auto accident on Fla. city streets, back roads or highways. Motorcycle helmet laws remain a source of controversy in many states, including Florida. While safety advocates encourage the passage of stricter motorcycle helmet use laws, some states -- including Florida -- have resisted the laws.
Florida had a universal motorcycle helmet use law for operators of all ages on the books, but it was revoked in 2000. Opponents to motorcycle helmet laws say the helmets can impede their hearing and vision, and take away from the feeling of freedom riding down the road or highway. However when motorcycle accidents with motor vehicles happen on Florida's city streets or busy highways, the motorcycle operator and his passenger are completely exposed to traffic and at a serious disadvantage.
Florida is known to be a motorcycle friendly state, with conventions such as Daytona Bike Week attracting motorcyclists and onlookers from around the country. However Fla. motorcyclists involved in auto accidents can suffer severe head injuries, which can cause brain damage, paralysis, and death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2008, motorcycle riders killed in Florida accidents numbered at 523 deaths -- 52% were helmeted and 48% were not wearing helmets (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts 2008 Data: Motorcycles).
In addition to urging states to adopt, strengthen, and enforce motorcycle helmet laws, the GHSA also recommends states work to reduce driver alcohol impairment, reduce speeding, and provide motorcycle operator training to all bikers who require or request it.
New Study: Motorcycle Deaths Decline Slightly But Concerns Develop
GHSA Press Release April 19, 2011
Related Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney Article:
Report Cites South Florida Streets a Hazard for Car, Bike and Pedestrian Accidents
Related Web Resources:
NHTSA: Motorcycles Safety portal
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Motorcycle and Bicycle Helmet Use Laws
Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles : Florida Rider Training Program
