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Florida has long been the home of enthusiastic motorcyclists, both residents and visitors. The excellent riding opportunities our state provides also come with serious safety challenges. One hundred-fourteen motorcycle accidents were reported in Southwest Florida in 2015. With motorcyclists being 35 times more likely to experience deadly accidents than passengers in other motor vehicles, it is important for all drivers to heed the ABATE of Southwest Florida safety suggestions:

• Obey all traffic laws, signs & signals.
• Constantly check and expect to see motorcycles.
• Motorcycles are smaller than cars or trucks, and it can be more difficult to judge their approaching speed.
• Look, look, & look again at traffic intersections before you turn or pull out.
• Allow a three second “Space Cushion” when following a motorcycle.
• There are 7 to 9 blind spots in an average vehicle.
• Give motorcycles the same respect and courtesy that you want for yourself and other motorists.

Motorcyclists, like other drivers, have recommendations for safe riding and operation of their bikes from Consumer Reports, state DMVs, and insurance companies. These include:

• Wear a helmet: The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends wearing a certified helmet; although Florida does not require a motorcyclist to wear a helmet. 

• Check your ride: Before riding off, tires, wheels, controls, lights, oil, chassis and side stands should be checked every day. 

• Watch the weather: Weather can play a part in making a ride fun or dangerous. Should it rain, visibility may be reduced, and the motorcycle tires’ grip on the road may be problematic. Cornering also may become tricky. The most dangerous time to ride in the rain is just after precipitation begins as water causes any oil residue to rise to the surface thus making the pavement slippery. 

• Drive defensively: Whether riding a motorcycle or driving a larger vehicle, such as a car or truck, do not assume others will see you. Driving with headlights on, staying out of other driver’s blind spots, signaling well in advance of any direction change and watching for turning vehicles are a defensive strategy worth considering. 

• Leave enough room to stop: It is important to keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles. Employing the rule of “1 second per 10 mph,” means that for every additional 10 mph in speed, riders and drivers should give enough separation in front to give them one additional second to reach the same spot that the vehicle ahead just passed. 

• Do not get distracted: Riding a motorcycle requires focus including that of balance. Motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers should not use cell phones, eat, or perform other tasks when driving. The focus should be entirely on the road. 

• Ride within your skill level: When riding a motorcycle, motorcyclists  need to know, and stay within, their skill levels. 

• Wear the right gear: Wearing the correct clothing when motorcycling is important. This includes glasses and/or goggles. 

• Educate any passengers: Anyone riding on a bike with the motorcycle owner needs to be in the proper gear and not distract the operator. Glasses and goggles are important if wearing an open-faced helmet. If travelling by motorcycle through several different states, motorcycle owners need to know each state’s laws regarding the minimum age for a passenger. 

• Take a motorcycle safety course: Motorcycle safety courses are available in Florida both for first-time riders and more advanced riders. In fact, the basic rider course is required before obtaining a motorcycle endorsement. 

“Most motorcycle accidents are caused by other vehicle drivers. The results of these accidents are devastating. We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. have the experience needed to assist the victims of motorcycle accidents. Please contact us should you be involved in a motorcycle crash,” said Naples Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Naples Motorcycle Accident Attorney,  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.