A recent study from a Georgia law firm found that Florida has experienced the most motorcycle-related deaths in the United States in three years. The study attributes the state’s high motorcycle mortality rate to generous helmet laws and strict needs. DUI penalties. Florida law allows more than 21 individuals to ride motorcycles without helmets if covered by insurance, if covered by medical benefits of at least $10,000 due to motorcycle crash injury .
Florida is one of the most popular states for motorcycle riders and hosts one of the largest bike gatherings in the United States at Daytona Beach.
Sunshine State’s year-round warm climate and coastal roads can be a biker’s paradise, but it is also one of the most dangerous places in the United States.
A recent national survey by Jones and Swanson, a Georgia-based personal injury law firm, shows that Florida is actually the most motorcycle accident-related death in 2024, leading the country to third consecutive year. It was there.
The most dangerous states for motorcycle riding are Florida, the most dangerous intersections for motorcyclists, showing why the state is on the list.
To find the most dangerous states of motorcycle drivers, Jones and Swanson have collected lethal motorcycle data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), compare helmet laws and DUI enforcement and penalties in each state, and Florida dot We have identified high-risk intersections that used crashes. Report.
“For the third year in a row, Florida has ranked number one for motorcycle deaths, far surpassing other states,” the survey said.
“The intersection of weak helmet laws, high DUI-related crashes and unchanged high-risks continue to put riders at risk. In 2024, 1,024 DUI-related motorcycles crashed, causing Florida to be the one to execute DUI enforcement. It is one of the weakest states, putting all road users at risk, not just motorcycles.
Florida saw 550 motorcycle-related deaths between January and September 2024, according to surveys and NHTSA data. This is down from 560 in 2023, but has increased by 40 more than the next most dangerous state on the list.
Based on data from 2024, the five most dangerous states for motorcycle drivers are:
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“While overall US traffic deaths have decreased, Florida motorcycle deaths remain disproportionately high, with policy failures, weak safety enforcement and neglected crash hotspots at risk of lives. It proves that there is,” the study states.
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Why are there so many motorcycle accidents in Florida?
The study, which uses data only until September 2024, attributes an unbalanced proportion of motorcycle-related mortality in Florida to ease helmet laws and the need for states’ more severe DUI penalties.
“As Florida continues to host major motorcycle events like Daytona Bike Week and Biketoberfest, the risk for riders is greater than ever,” the study said.
“Without immediate legislative reforms such as strong helmet laws, stricter DUI penalties and improved infrastructure at known deadly intersections, 2024 could be another year of motorcycle deaths in Florida. It’s sexual.”
Research shows that the most dangerous intersection for Florida motorcyclists is just outside Fort Myers, at the intersection of State Route 82 and Daniels Parkway.
And Fort Myers News Press reports that authorities are cracking down on traffic violations this week along SR 82, increasing the presence of Florida highway patrols on the roads on Wednesday, Feb. 19th.
“The Florida Highway Patrol Officer cracked down on dangerous driving practices with waves of traffic stops, quotes and arrests after reigning State Route 82 on Wednesday night and increasing safety complaints,” the news press reported.
The surgery for “The Row Your Ride 82” was intended to send a positive message to the Traffic Act, according to the Troopers. ”
Several specialized FHP units will operate along SR 82 between 7pm and 3am on Wednesday, with elite DUI teams, offensive driving units and smuggling bans with K9s, according to a Newspress report. There are units, and drug recognition experts.
According to a News Press report, the results of the traffic halt on Wednesday were as follows:
Four Drug Arrests, Seven Felony Theft Vehicles – 2024 GMC Sierrafour Unauthorized Driver 29 Speeding Quotes 19 Other Quotes – Breakdown Equipment, Seat Belts, Expired Tags, No Insurance
FHP crackdown details: Troopers stop 100 drivers from Fort Myers to Immokaree with reckless driving crackdown
Do bikers need to wear helmets in Florida?
Although you are permitted to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in Florida, you must be at least 21 years old and be in charge of an insurance contract that covers at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries sustained while driving or riding a motorcycle. there is. State Law.
“People cannot ride a motorbike unless they properly wear protective headgear that is firmly secured to their heads, complying with federal motorcycle vehicle safety standards 218, issued by the US Department of Transportation.” state law states.
“People over 21 years old will be protected by a protective headgear that is securely secured to the head if such person is covered by an insurance contract that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits due to the resulting injury. You can ride a motorcycle without wearing it. Motorcycle operation or crash while riding.
Can I get a ticket to avoid wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle in Florida?
yes. If you are riding a motorcycle without a helmet in Florida and are under the age of 21, or if you don’t have proper insurance coverage, you can apply for a ticket.
But even if you break this law, don’t worry about being wiped out by prison. Tickets for not wearing a helmet while using a motorcycle are a non-criminal traffic violation, just like speeding. This means you will be fined and must attend driving classes.
“A violation of this section is a non-criminal traffic violation that is punished as a non-criminal violation,” state law states.
Contribution: Tayeba Hussein, Fort Myers News Press
