Florida weather is often perfect for motorcycle rides. Driving along the coast is a very pleasurable pastime for even the most causal motorcycle enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents have been on the rise for the past several years. In 2013, Florida ranked third in motorcycle deaths—behind Texas and California.



A study released in 2009 by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department showed that motorcycle crashes and deaths had decreased from 2008 to 2009. The number of fatalities continued to decline in 2010. By 2011, however, the numbers started to rise.

Motorcycle Accidents Compared to Other Vehicle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents that result in injuries or deaths are generally higher than injuries and deaths in other types of accidents. Tracking this data over time shows that motorcycle injuries in Florida have increased by 50 percent in the past decade. Fatalities are even worse—they have increased roughly 90 percent in the past decade. Comparatively, traffic fatalities have dropped 20 percent over the same period and traffic injuries have also dropped 10 percent.

Motorcycle accidents have also been occupying a greater proportion of traffic accidents overall. In 2001, motorcycle-related deaths accounted for about 8 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in Florida. By 2013, that number had increased to 19.2 percent.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?

Although motorcycle accidents have been increasing in recent years, that increase may not be a direct result of the motorcycle drivers themselves. A study released in 2013 reported that other drivers cause most of the crashes that involve motorcycles. That means that drivers are not looking closely enough to avoid, for example, turning in front of motorcycles, merging into motorcycles, or running into the back of motorcycle drivers.

Ride Smart Florida also released some interesting statistics about what types of motorcycle drivers are involved in motorcycle crashes. Male drivers are far more likely to be involved in an accident, but that could be because males are generally more likely to ride a motorcycle generally. Most of those injured are between 45 and 54, with those between 35 and 44 coming in at a close second. Those who have been injured and who are over 55 has increased significantly over the past few years. Those over 55 alone represent about 20 percent of all motorcycle crashes from 2004 to 2013.

It is also worth noting that although Florida is a popular vacation destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, the majority of Florida motorcycle accidents involved motorcycle riders who are also Florida residents. Miami-Dade county is home to the most motorcycle fatalities, with Hillsborough in second. Palm Beach County is ranked 10th.

Helmet Use and Other Regulations in Florida

In 2000, Florida repealed its mandatory helmet laws. Since that time, motorcycle deaths have increased. Prior to the repeal, Florida saw about 160 motorcycle deaths per year. After the law changed, the annual death toll increased to 246 just one year later. In 2006, it was still rising—it reached 550 deaths. Florida enacted a required motorcycle-training course in 2007, and deaths dropped to about 390. However, the numbers have crept back up recently. The latest statistics estimate yearly deaths in the mid-400s.

Helmet use in Florida is hoovers around 50 percent. That means that about half of all motorcyclists in Florida will wear helmets on a regular basis. The increase in motorcycle deaths after the helmet law was repealed does suggest that those who do not wear helmets are more likely to suffer from serious injuries if they are involved in an accident.

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As with other vehicles, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle while or after drinking. Those who drink and ride are significantly more likely to be involved in an accident. In 2009, for example, roughly 37 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved alcohol in some way. In 2011, those who had a blood-alcohol content over .08 accounted for 26 percent of motorcycle fatalities. Those who even had .01 BAC accounted for 32 percent of motorcycle deaths.

Don’t Become a Statistic—Motorcycle Safety is Important!

Being in an accident on a motorcycle is much likely to result in serious injuries compared to accidents that involve cars and trucks. Injuries can be significantly decreased by wearing protective gear, including a helmet, and riding responsibility. Ride safely!

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