Florida Leads Nation in Motorcycle Crash Deaths

Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) April 21, 2017 – Statistics recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show Florida has the most fatalities from motorcycle accidents in the nation.

According to the NHTSA, in 2015 there were 9,045 injury related motorcycle crashes and 606 fatalities in Florida. The statistics show that motorcycle deaths increased 30 percent from 2014 to 2015.

“Far too many people lose their lives in vehicle crashes, and motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable,” said Robert Joyce, a Tampa car accident attorney with the law firm of Joyce & Reyes. “Drivers have a responsibility to use due caution on the roads, and that includes watching out for motorcycles.”

The NHTSA said that the top Florida counties for motorcycle fatalities were Miami-Dade, with 67 deaths; Hillsborough, with 48 deaths; Broward, with 42 deaths; Palm Beach, with 34 deaths; and Pinellas, with 27 deaths.

Nationwide, there were 4,976 motorcyclists killed in accidents, an 8 percent increase from the 4,594 fatalities in 2014, the NHTSA said. Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcycle fatalities occurred 27 times more frequently than passenger vehicle deaths. The agency estimated that helmets saved the lives of 1,772 motorcyclists in 2015, and about 740 additional lives could have been saved if every motorcyclist wore a helmet.

In 2000, Florida began allowing adult motorcyclists to ride without a helmet provided they carry medical insurance of at least $10,000. Fatalities have increased since the helmet law change. Surveys show that 72 percent of motorcyclists support laws requiring helmets.

The NHTSA urges motorcyclists to use sound judgment and wear proper safety gear. Car drivers should watch for motorcyclists and avoid distracted driving.

Learn more at http://www.joyceandreyespa.com Joyce and Reyes Law Firm, P.A. 307 S Hyde Park Ave Tampa, FL 33606 Call: 813.251.2007