May has been designated Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, and the Florida Highway Patrol has joined in a nationwide campaign to spread the message to “Share the Road.” This message applies to drivers and riders alike, especially in the sunny state of Florida.
There is an obvious need for the drivers of vehicles with four wheels or more to pay attention and watch out for the smaller, two-wheeled bikes. One motorcycle rider said that he even firmly believes in preparing for the negligence of others — something that can probably help at least minimize the risk of an accident.
Riders can also do their part by following the rules of the road and putting on the appropriate protective gear, like a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that this single act could have helped save the lives of around 1,829 riders in 2008 alone.
The data suggests that a helmet certainly helps improve a rider’s chances of survival in a motorcycle accident by providing protection to one of the most important organs in our body. Survival rates may be better, but serious injuries are still very likely to occur in these collisions even when the rider was wearing a helmet.
The “Share the Road” message not only applies to driving before an accident occurs. It is also relevant after the accident occurs, when law enforcement officers and emergency responders are on the scene.
Florida law even specifies that “on a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit” and five miles per hour where that isn’t possible.
May might be the designated awareness month, but ask any Ocala personal injury attorney and he or she will remind those that are asking that these motorcycle accidents occur year-round in Florida.
Source: Ocala Star Banner, “FHP urges drivers of cars and motorcycle to ‘Share the Road’,” Andy Fillmore, May 11, 2014
