Motorcyclists, however, are in as much danger – if not more – when it comes to personal injury should a crash occur. In particular, while Florida helmet laws do not mandate the wearing of head gear, helmets should always be a part of the protective wear for a motorcycle rider, as the severity of head injury in a motorcycle crash can put an end to more than just a ride on the open road.
Motorcyclists in South Florida and Fort Lauderdale in particular, where the roads are more congested this time of year by snowbirds and tourists fleeing northern cold, need to be aware that the machine they are operating is more dangerous than a motor vehicle. According to Consumer Reports, citing statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than people in a car. Nearly half of all motorcycle deaths are the result of single-vehicle crashes.
So how can motorcyclists keep safe? Here are five tips for motorcycle riders in Fort Lauderdale:
1. Buy the right bike. Find a bike that fits you and vice versa. Don’t buy a machine with more power than you can handle.
2. Make sure your bike has antilock brakes. IIHS data show that motorcycles equipped with ABS brakes were 37 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than bikes without them.
3. Wear a helmet. It feels good having the breeze in your hair – not so good feeling it from the pavement. Talk about a motorcycle helmet and some riders will give you a piece of their mind. But here are the facts, according to Consumer Reports: Riders without a helmet are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash and are three times more likely to suffer brain injuries, than those with helmets. In Florida, enforcement of the helmet law is secondary, which means an officer will not stop a rider solely on his or her not wearing a helmet, similar to the state’s seatbelt law. However, an officer may stop a motorcycle operator or passenger riding without a helmet based on reasonable suspicion the operator or rider is under 21.
4. Stay alert. One statistic proven out is that motor vehicle drivers are most at fault in an accident involving a motorcycle. This means a motorcyclist needs to be extra alert on the road and drive defensively when navigating u-turns, changing lanes or pulling out from side streets.
5. Watch for hazards. Sand, wet leaves, or pebbles can cause a bike to slide unexpectedly.
should be approached as close to a right angle as possible, to reduce the chances of a skid.
Being out on a motorcycle is fun – having an accident with one can be deadly. Personal injuryfrom a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale could be so severe that the rider may never recover – or lead a normal life. If you have suffered personal injury in a motorcycle accident, contact a Fort Lauderdale personal injury litigation attorney.
Make your ride as easy as possible.For more tips on motorcycle safety, visit
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/04/10-motorcycle-safety-tips-for-new-riders/index.htm
