In 2008, Florida transportation officials began an aggressive campaign ito combat the growing problem of motorcycle accidents and motorcycle fatalities. That campaign of promoting safety, raising other motorists' awareness of motorcycles and cracking down on risky and reckless motorcycle riders has paid off. Last year, motorcycle deaths in Florida declined 24 percent after more than a decade of steep increases. According to the Florida Highway Patrol there could be many reasons for the reduced number of Florida motorcycle fatalities: improved laws, stiffer speeding fines or better training.
In 2009, motorcycle fatalities went down 10 percent nationally after 11 years on the rise. States other than Florida also had dramatic decreases: California went down 29 percent; New York, 16 percent.
Florida began a major motorcycle initiative in 2008 as it became aware of this startling fact: Motorcycles made up about 6percent of all Florida traffic, but those dying in motorcycle crashes made up 18 percent of all traffic deaths. Compare that with 1997, when deaths involving motorcycles were 5 percent of traffic fatalities. Nationally, motorcyclists were 2 percent of the traffic and 5 percent of fatalities.
The steep rise in motorcycle deaths was occurring as more people turned to motorcycles for recreation and transportation to save on gas. In addition, Florida eased helmet laws in 2000, which led to more motorcycle riders -- and more fatalities.
Faced with the realization that motorcycle deaths and injuries were skyrocketing, Florida officials had federal transportation officials visit the state, review its motorcycle-safety program and suggest improvements. The result was a comprehensive plan to reduce deaths, injuries and motorcycle crashes and the formation of the first motorcycle-safety coalition in the state. That coalition -- made up of motorcycle clubs, motorcycle dealers, insurance companies, law enforcement, community-safety groups and state traffic-safety officials -- was tasked with implementing the plan.
If you are the victim of someone else's negligence and our involved in a motorcycle accident, call the Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyers at The Citron Law Firm for advice. We will collect photographic evidence of the accident scene, conduct witness interviews and preserve all the necessary evidence to establish your claim.
For a free consultation regarding your motorcycle accident case, please contact The Citron Law Firm toll free at 877-550-4LAW.
