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David M. Benenfeld, P.A.
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Sunrise, FL 33351
Phone: (954) 677-0155
Fax: (954) 677-0773

Dade and Broward County Injury News

Motorcycle Accidents Going Up in Florida

Posted on Jan 26, 2009

As Floridians looked for ways to cut back on gas expenses, many drivers flocked to fuel-efficient hybrids and motorcycles. This trend is similar to what has been notated across the country, with motorcycle registrations increasing from 3.9 million in 1998 to 7.1 million in 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Florida, there were 582,000 motorcycle registrations in 2007.

Since more drivers are operating motorcycles, the number of motorcycle crashes has also increased. According to the highway safety administration, motorcycle fatalities accounted for approximately 13 percent of all vehicle accident fatalities in 2007, which is up from 5.5 percent in 1998. Reports also show that in 2007, 530 motorcyclists died in Florida.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation and the highway safety administration both report that after an accident, the drivers of the other vehicles involved frequently say that they never saw the motorcyclist or were unable to respond in time to prevent the crash.

Hillsborough County Circuit Judge Rex Barbas was a victim of a Florida motorcycle crash. He is an experienced motorcyclist, but was still involved in an accident when he was hit from behind a few months ago by a motorist who didn’t see him braking. Barbas suffered a broken pelvis and two herniated disks in his back.

Barbas said that other drivers do not look out for motorcycles on the road. As drivers become increasingly distracted by other tasks such as eating, texting, talking and listening to the radio, the risk for motorcycle crashes goes up.

Due to the increase in motorcycle accidents over the last ten years, lawmakers have been revisiting road safety concerns. Florida enacted a law July 1, which makes it mandatory that all new motorcyclists take a 15-hour safety course that prepares them for the road. Previously, this law had only applied to motorcyclists under the age of 21.

Barbas believes that one way driver awareness of motorcycles can be improved is by including it in driver’s education courses. He also thinks that motorcycles need to have brighter brake lights, louder engines and handlebar streamers.

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David M. Benenfeld, P.A.
7800 W. Oakland Park Boulevard
Building F
Suite 216
Sunrise, FL 33351
Phone: (954) 677-0155
Fax: (954) 677-0773
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