South Florida leads state in motorcycle injuries and death for the state. Sadly, many of the bikers who travel out highways, roads and neighborhood are 20 times more than cars to die in a crash. This is because a car or truck has a body and frame made of etal to protect the driver and passeneger. When a motorcycle or scooter is involved in an accident, there is no protection to keep them from injury or damage. Many bikers do not like wearing a helmet, but a helmet gives you a better chance of staying alive in an accident.
“Wearing a helmet could mean the difference between life and death,” said Josh Carrasco, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Our goal is to make sure all motorists arrive safely at their destination, including motorcyclists.”
Top Counties for Motorcycle Crash Deaths:
| Rank | County | Deaths |
| 1 | Miami-Dade | 67 |
| 2 | Hillsborough | 48 |
| 3 | Broward | 42 |
| 4 | Palm Beach | 34 |
| 5 | Pinellas | 27 |
| 6 (tied) | Lee | 26 |
| 6 (tied) | Orange | 26 |
| 8 | Duval | 23 |
| 9 (tied) | Brevard | 22 |
| 9 (tied) | Pasco | 22 |
| 11 (tied) | Polk | 21 |
| 11 (tied) | Volusia | 21 |
AAA encourages drivers and motorcyclists not to drive impaired and to follow these safety tips:
Safety Tips for Motorists:
- Respect motorcycle riders. Motorcycles are vehicles too and have the same privileges as an automobile. Be sure to give them ample room.
- Look and Listen. Even if a motorcycle is loud, you may not hear it. Actively look for motorcycles in traffic.
- Leave room. Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and motorcyclists. Uneven terrain, wet roads, and heavy traffic often require a motorcycle rider to react and maneuver differently than automobiles.
- Be aware. Take extra caution when making a left-hand turn, because most automobile-versus-motorcycle crashes occur during left-hand turns.
- Don’t drive distracted. A driver who takes their eyes off the road for two seconds doubles their risk of getting into a crash.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists:
- Wear safety gear. Helmets that meet DOT compliance standards, eye wear, closed-toe footwear and protective clothing reduce your risk of injury or death in a crash. Remember, the only thing between you and the ground is your protective gear.
- Be visible. Keep headlights, marker and tail lights on at dusk and dark, or rainy weather. Wear bright clothing or put reflective strips on your bike to be more visible to other motorists. Avoid being in the blind spots of cars and trucks by following three to four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
- Use sound judgment. Avoid weaving between lanes while riding. Be sure to use your signals and stick to the speed limit.
- Get proper training. Completing a motorcycle safety course can not only make you a better rider, but save you money on your motorcycle insurance.
http://protectingyourpocket.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/03/13/how-much-more-likely-are-motorcyclists-to-die-in-a-crash-than-other-drivers/