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On May 24, 2023, Governor DeSantis signed legislation that expands motorcycle safety and education opportunities.

"Florida is home to more than 650,000 motorcyclists who are able to ride all year long,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “It is important to continue promoting motorcycle safety and education programs that will prevent accidents and make our roads safer.”

The new legislation re-allocates the motorcycle safety education fee that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department (FHSMV) receives for the Florida Motorcycle Safety Education Program to three not-for-profit Florida corporations. The not-for-profits will administer motorcycle safety and education programs in the state.

The announcement said the programs may include pamphlets, advertisements, public service announcements, digital media, social media, a website, participation at grassroots motorcycle events, and advocacy.

There are criteria for the not-for-profits to be considered as administrators. They must be registered charities with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. One of the three administrators must be a motorcycle grassroots organization that has actively worked with the motorcycle community in Florida for at least 30 years. They also must have a history of actively advocating for motorcycle safety and be able to demonstrate a geographically dispersed membership with at least 5,000 members as of January 1, 2023. The other two program administrators must be motorcycle grassroots organizations that have existed for at least 20 years, have advocated for motorcycle safety, and have a membership of at least 1,000 as of January 1, 2023.

ABATE of Florida (American Bikers Aiming Towards Education) applauds this change as it believes it will radically improve motorcycle safety in Florida. ABATE believes the new safety program will also foster collaboration and cooperation within the motorcycle community and will result in safer roads, fewer crashes, and fewer motorcycle deaths and injuries.

Here are a couple of Florida motorcycle accidents that happened this year in Florida:

• Authorities reported a major Cape Coral crash in July 2023. The crash involved a car and motorcycle at the intersection of Burnt Store Road and Tropicana Parkway. There were 25 crashes at this intersection in 2022, forcing the Department of Transportation to reconstruct the traffic pattern. 

• On September 5, 2023, a 31-year-old motorcyclist was tragically killed in a Polk County crash with an SUV, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 17.

Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. has seen the devastation caused by negligent drivers, especially when accidents involve motorcycles. Motorcyclists are vulnerable, and when they are in accidents caused by negligent drivers, they may suffer severe injuries or tragic deaths. After seeking medical attention, motorcyclists should immediately contact Spivey Law. Following are some of the scenarios under which motorcyclists and their families may seek compensation:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Fatigued driving (or falling asleep behind the wheel)
• Turning in front of an approaching motorcycle without the right of way
• Sideswiping a motorcycle while attempting to change lanes or merge
• Speeding, tailgating, running red lights and stop signs, and other driving errors
• Motorcycle and vehicle defects and faulty repairs
• Roadway hazards (i.e., uneven lanes and construction zones) 

Florida Motorcycle Lawyer Randall Spivey and his team are available to assist motorcycle accident victims 24/7 at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com. There are no costs or attorney fees until Spivey Law has received a monetary recovery for motorcycle clients. The following is a testimonial from one of the firm’s motorcycle clients:

Professional polite, and they get the job done. If you have, or had a motorcycle, make sure that you have their phone number! MIKE S.