RSSMotorcycle Accident Fatalities Continue Upward Trend
According to a study recently published by the Governors Highway Safety Association, Florida ranks third in the country behind Texas and California, respectively, for the number of people killed in motorcycle accidents. Nationally, motorcycle accident fatalities have increased 14 out of the last 15 years (1997 to 2012,) with accident statistics continuing this trend thus far in 2013. Nearly 4,000 motorcyclists were killed in the U.S. from January to September 2012 but the authors of the study expected that number to climb to nearly 5,000 by the end of 2012. At least 287 people died in Florida motorcycle accidents over that same period of time, with 358 killed in Texas and 318 in California.
Jim Hedlund, one of the traffic safety researchers who compiled and analyzed data for the study, said that good riding weather plays a big part in the fatality rates.
“California, Texas, Florida, those are all big states and warm-weather states,” he said. “People ride year-round in those states, which increases the chance of motorcycle deaths. Riders want to get on the open road and enjoy the weather but “don’t think hard” about the statistics. For every mile traveled, you have a 30 times higher risk of getting killed on a motorcycle than riding in a car. Wearing a helmet reduces your chances of getting killed by 40 percent.”
Some fatal motorcycle accidents are caused by riders who travel at excessive speeds, ride aggressively, ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs and other types of negligence but the majority of accident are caused by drivers, who:
- Fail to observe riders’ right of way and cut them off either deliberately or accidentally
- Talk and text on their cellphones while driving
- Eat, apply makeup, and reach for objects on the floor or are otherwise distracted
- Run red lights
- Fail to provide proper distance between their vehicle and the motorcycle in front of them (tailgating)
- Drive their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Operate their vehicles in other negligent ways
Each year, thousands of Floridians are injured in motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers. If you or a member of your family has been injured in a motorcycle accident and you would like to speak with an Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer, call James O. Cunningham today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) and schedule a free consultation. Since he began practicing law in 1977, Mr. Cunningham has become one of the area’s most experienced and respected Orlando personal injury attorneys and has a reputation for handling each aspect of his clients’ cases personally. Call him today and get his skills, experience and resources on your side!
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.