May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
May marks the start of the summer travel season. It’s also a time when we see an increased number of motorcyclists on the roads. That is why every May, the NHTSA and state governments come together to coordinate Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which strives to spread awareness about motorcycle laws and education designed to keep everyone on the road safe.
Florida has the highest rate of motorcycle accident deaths in the nation. Last year, Florida recorded 9,420 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 578 deaths and more than 8,000 injuries. In Miami-Dade County alone there were over 1,200 motorcycle accidents reported in 2024, with more than 500 resulting in fatalities.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Dangerous Cargo: Added passengers, food deliveries, and other extraneous cargo can affect the balance, weight, and overall stability of the bike, which can lead to a dangerous accident.
Inclement weather conditions: Fog, sleet, rain, and smoke can affect visibility and road conditions, which can increase the likelihood of an accident.
Road Rage: Car drivers and motorcyclists can sometimes clash on the road when either party interferes with one another’s course of travel. Keep calm and avoid confrontation on the road.
Fatigue and drowsy driving: Drivers often push themselves to reach destinations faster by depriving themselves of sleep. Inevitably, fatigue can cause accidents to happen.
Whether you are a motorcyclist or driver on the road, it is important to understand safety issues facing motorcycles. Below are some important safety tips to remember this month and year-round for motorcyclists and other road users.
For Motorcyclists:
- Riders should always wear a DOT-compliant helmet. Without this, you are more likely to experience severe brain damage caused by head trauma in a crash if you are wearing a non-compliant helmet.
- Wear protective clothing, including a jacket, pants, gloves, and boots made of durable materials like leather or synthetic fabrics.
- When riding at night, wear bright, reflective gear, and make sure your lights are functioning, bright, and visible.
- Lane splitting may help save time and avoid getting rear-ended in heavy traffic, but it can also be dangerous and illegal.
- Use turn signals to show where you intend to go, especially when changing lanes or turning, and always check your blind spots.
- Avoid road and weather hazards. For example, potholes, debris, and wet road conditions.
- Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For Drivers:
- Because motorcycles are smaller than cars and trucks, they can be more difficult to spot. Always check your blind spots & mirrors, use your turn signals, and take extra caution when you know motorcycles are nearby.
- Give more following distance to motorcycles. This gives motorcyclists room to perform emergency stops or maneuvers for road hazards like gravel, potholes, standing water, cracks, or train tracks that passenger vehicles can usually continue over at reduced speed.
- Share the road with motorcyclists, but not the lane. Motorcyclists should always get a full lane width, even if it may look like there is room for a car.
- Focus on the road and put your cell phone away. Driving distracted is a leading cause of accidents for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Motorcycle accidents are complicated and often serious situations which require intense analysis, medical care, and legal representation. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident it is vital that you first seek proper medical care concerning any injuries or lack thereof. Injuries sustained from accidents might not appear immediately, and can sometimes take days, weeks, or even months to manifest.
The second crucial step is not to admit fault to the police or other parties involved. You may think you are responsible for the accident, but lawyers and doctors might find other variables which might relieve you of any culpability, even if you think otherwise.
Thirdly, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Aronfeld Trial Lawyers has been helping motorcyclists and their families involved in serious and sometimes fatal accidents for decades. We are a team of skillful, diligent and experienced advocates who will fight for you until justice is served.
