There is an abundant population of motorcycle riders in the state of Florida. Currently, there is no requirement by law for riders who are over the age of 21 and carrying at least $10,000 of medical coverage to wear a helmet. Even though it is well-known that helmets are the single best piece of protective gear a motorcyclist can wear to reduce the severity of their injuries and their chance of death in a crash, many bikers choose to go without.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, motorcycle accidents are on the rise in the state. In 2014, there were 8,040 motorcycle accidents. Comparing these numbers to those that were reported in 2016 shows a troubling trend. Just two years later in 2016, the number of reported motorcycle accidents was 8,256. That year, 742 motorcycle passengers sustained injuries and 30 died.
Would A Law Requiring Helmet Use In Florida Help Accident Statistics?
Helmet use isn’t going to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents, but it has been shown that helmet use is important to driver and passenger safety. It is known that helmet use is associated with a less severe outcome after an accident. It is the belief at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that a federal law requiring helmet use for all riders will reduce lives lost in an accident. This is why the NTSB is considering federal legislation that would make it unlawful to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet.
The NTSB reported a rise across the country in fatal motorcycle accidents, and in many of these tragic accidents, a helmet was not used. There is the truth behind helmet use and a reduction in fatalities in Florida motorcycle accidents but many riders and motorcycle groups oppose such widespread legislation. These individuals cite that helmet use should be a personal decision, not one where the government is forcing their will on riders.
Supporters for a federal mandate on helmet use argue that such legislation is necessary to save lives. There are many pieces of protective garb and equipment a motorcycle rider can use to help keep them protected in the event of a crash, and the helmet is the most important and effective. Outside of a helmet, there is little shielding the head and body from immense force and impact that it will experience in a crash. Unlike a car that has an outer metal frame protecting passengers inside, motorcyclists are not encapsulated in any form of front-line defense.
Do You Need A Qualified Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney?
Any number of factors can work against a motorcycle rider and cause an accident. Their bike can malfunction, they can be clipped by another motorist, they may not have enough training for riding their motorcycle, or a negligent driver can crash into them. If you have been injured in a Florida motorcycle accident, speaking with a Florida motorcycle accident injury attorney is a wise move. The Orlando motorcycle accident injury attorneys at the Vaughan Law Group will examine your accident experience and provide you with options to pursue compensation.
Call the Vaughan Law Group’s team of Orlando serious injury attorneys at (407) 648-1426 to schedule your free consultation today.
