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Riding a motorcycle can be both fun and dangerous. Unfortunately, the dangers of riding a motorcycle cannot be overlooked. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 9,143 motorcycle crashes in the State of Florida in 2018. Of those, 656 crashes were in Hillsborough County, and 503 were in Pinellas County. These crashes alone led to 60 reported fatalities. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Inattentive driving
- Head-on collisions
- Left Hand Turns
- Speeding
- Lane Changes
There are steps you can take to minimize the risk of an accident and injuries while riding a motorcycle. Here are 5 steps to help you prevent a motorcycle accident in Florida.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
Although there may be something to be said about being able to feel the wind in your hair out on the open road, doing so may put your life in unnecessary jeopardy. Anytime you ride a motorcycle you should always wear proper safety gear. This includes a DOT approved helmet and clothing with protective padding. Goggles or a visor should also be worn to prevent debris from getting into your eyes and obstructing your vision.
Make Sure You are Visible at all Times
Most motorcycle accidents occur because other drivers did not see the motorcycle. This is why it is important that you always drive with your headlight on and avoid other drivers’ blind spots. Bright colored clothing should also be worn to increase the chance that you are seen. In addition, you should always use your directional or hand signals when turning, and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
Watch for Road Hazards
Road hazards such as potholes, gravel, or other areas of disrepair can prove to be very dangerous to a motorcyclist, especially if you are unfamiliar with the roadway. This is why it is always important to drive defensively, so you can give yourself more time to anticipate and avoid such hazards.
Drive the Speed Limit
Just because your motorcycle can go fast doesn’t mean that you have to drive it that way. Driving the speed limit allows you the opportunity to see and avoid hazards before they can cause an accident. It can also help to limit the severity of any injury that you or another driver may suffer as a result of an accident.
Take a Safety or Advanced Riding Course
Whether you are a new or an experienced motorcyclist, it is always good to increase your riding skills. One way to do this is by taking a motorcycle safety or an advanced riding course. These courses can be taken multiple times to brush up on your motorcycle safety. These courses teach all types of maneuvers and tips to best control your motorcycle under the different circumstances you may encounter while riding.
Trust SouthShore Injury Attorneys With Your Florida Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you’ve been injured in a Florida motorcycle accident, it is important that you consult with a qualified personal injury attorney. The attorneys at SouthShore Injury Attorneys handle only personal injury claims and are experienced in representing personal injury cases throughout the State of Florida. If you’ve suffered injuries in a Florida motorcycle accident, contact SouthShore Injury Attorneys at 813-797-5998 for a free consultation.
Free Information
If you have questions about your Florida accident case, you can download our Free Reports:
- Your Guide to Florida Car Accident Claims
- The Ultimate Guide to Florida Slip and Fall Cases; and
- 5 Medical Mistakes That Will Destroy Your PersonalInjury Case
which are available at our website, or you can click the link provided. You can also contact us at 813-797-5998 to talk directly to a Ruskin Motorcycle Accident Attorney now.