Motorcycle Safety: Debunking Some Common Myths
Florida experiences great weather throughout the year. This makes this state an ideal place to ride a motorcycle. It is estimated that Florida has over 600,000 registered motorcycles. However, while riding a motorcycle may be fun and exhilarating, it poses a significant danger to riders and passengers. If you are a motorcyclist, it is crucial that you are keen on motorcycle safety.
However, getting reliable information can be a challenge, and this challenge can lead to avoidable dangers for you and your passengers. Many myths abound about motorcycle safety, so if you are not careful, you may end up with more false information than accurate information. At The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, we care about your safety as a motorcycle rider and the safety of your passengers. In this article, we debunk some of the most common myths about motorcycle safety.
Myth #1: Motorcycles Are Safer Than Other Types of Vehicles
The first motorcycle safety myth you need to avoid falling for to ensure you and your passengers remain safe is that motorcycles are safer than other types of vehicles. Indeed, according to accident data, there are fewer accidents involving motorcycles. However, something you may not be considering is that there are fewer motorcycles on the road compared to other types of vehicles.
Instead of looking at how many motorcycle accidents happen every year, you should look at the higher rate of severe injuries and deaths associated with motorcycle accidents. According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in a crash. Regarding the risk of injury, motorcyclists are four times more likely to suffer injuries.
Myth #2: Local Streets Are Safer Than Interstates
People believe this myth because local streets have lower speed limits than highways. However, just because motorcycles and vehicles travel slower on local streets does not mean local streets are safer for motorcyclists and their passengers. The following are examples of factors that make local roads just as risky as highways for motorcycles and their passengers;
- Drivers of other vehicles failing to yield to motorcycles
- Pedestrians stepping into the path of motorcycles
- Vehicles making sudden stops
- Vehicle occupants opening doors into the path of motorcyclists
- Pavements that are in bad condition
Myth #3: Lane Splitting Is Legal in Florida
Lane splitting is when you maneuver a motorcycle between two lanes of slowed or stopped traffic. Like in most other states, this behavior is illegal in Florida. The only state where lane splitting is legal is California. According to Florida law, no individual is allowed to operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent lines of vehicles.
Lane splitting increases your chances of getting hit by inattentive drivers. So, even if lane splitting were legal in Florida, it would be best to avoid this behavior.
Myth #4: It Is Dangerous To Wear Motorcycle Helmets
Some people do not wear motorcycle helmets because they have heard that helmets impair vision and hearing. This is not true. If a motorcycle helmet meets all federal safety standards and is a perfect fit, it will not impair your vision or hearing. You should never ride your motorcycle without a helmet. And if you have a passenger, ensure they also wear a helmet.
Myth #5: Motorcycle Helmets Do Not Save Lives
This myth probably exists because even people with helmets have died in motorcycle crashes. However, just because even people with helmets have been killed in motorcycle crashes does not mean that helmets don’t save lives. It is estimated that motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of death by almost 38% and the risk of head injury by nearly 70%. While motorcycle helmet use is not mandatory for everyone in Florida, it is best for everyone who gets on a motorcycle to wear a helmet.
Myth #6: One Beer Can’t Do Any Harm
Unfortunately, one beer is enough to get you hurt for life. One beer is enough to get you into a fatal accident. This is especially true if you are an older rider. As you age, your metabolism slows down, and a single beer may affect you differently than it did years ago.
Myth #7: Leather Jackets Are a Fashion Statement
While a motorcycle rider wearing a leather jacket may look good, leather jackets on motorcyclists are not a fashion statement. Leather acts as bodily protection when a motorcyclist is involved in an accident. For example, a leather jacket can protect you from road rash if you get into an accident.
For reference, here is source information from the CDC on motorcycle safety.
Contact a Naples Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation in a personal injury claim if another party’s negligence caused your accident. Our Naples motorcycle accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro can evaluate your case and determine if you are eligible for compensation. If you are, we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
