The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that motorcyclists involved in a collision are 35 times more likely to die than their car-driving counterparts.
Fatalities of local riders are reported almost weekly in Pinellas and the surrounding counties, and in all of Florida. The death rates in Florida even surpass the numbers in other warm-weather states like California (ranked as having the 2nd highest motorcyclist death rate) and Texas (which is 3rd place).
A spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) suggests that these increasingly high death rates are due to the fact that more people nowadays are riding motorcycles, and therefore, more are dying. Likewise, statistics have depicted a steady rise in the number of motorcyclist deaths for the last 10 years.
However, in 2008, there was slight decrease in Florida deaths reported from the previous year. Some think credit could be given to campaigns such as "Ride Proud. Dress Loud" or the nation-wide massive distribution of "Look Twice Save a Life" bumper stickers. The state has also attempted preventative action, recently putting into effect a law that mandates motorcyclists to pass a riding course prior to getting a license. Unfortunately, about a quarter of the deaths from motorcycle accidents are of unlicensed drivers.
It has been suggested that this plateau may simply be due to the economy and its rising gas prices, rather than motorists of any kind making a conscious effort to be more aware of their fellow drivers. Motorcyclists often report feeling that other drivers neglect to give them the same precaution as other vehicles. Likewise, many car drivers attribute motorcyclist deaths to careless and risky driving.
It is clear that people who drive automobiles must be cautious and considerate of motorcycle drivers. In Florida, PIP insurance is not mandatory on a motorcycle. Additionally, Florida does not require drivers of cars to carry liability insurance. Therefore, I believe it is very important for those of us on the roads to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance. This is especially important for motorcyclists who may be more susceptible to serious injury in an accident.
