Motorcycle Accidents In Pinellas County Most Likely To Happen In The Spring
After months of winter weather, spring is in the air. Warmer temperatures and increased daylight hours mean residents are resuming their favorite outdoor hobbies and activities. While many people rely on motorcycles year-round as a means of transportation, you will definitely see more of them on the road at this time of year. Unfortunately, this increases the risks. Our Seminole motorcycle accident attorney explains how spring is the most common time of year for crashes and offers tips to protect yourself on the road.
Spring Spike In Florida Motorcycle Accidents
According to statistics from RideSmart Florida, spring is the most common time of year for motorcycle accidents. Personal injury rates steadily increase over January and February before spiking dramatically in March. An average of more than 500 bikers will be involved in collisions throughout the spring, more than any other time of year.
Unfortunately, these statistics reflect an unfortunate trend when it comes to motorcycle accidents in Pinellas County. Two recent cases made headline news:
- A late January 2023 WFLA News report stated a 19-year-old man was killed on Roosevelt Boulevard in Pinellas County when he lost control of the motorcycle he was riding.
- In February 2023, WTSP News reported that a 15-year-old spectator was killed while watching a motorcycle race, after which several people were booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
While both crashes involved young people, motorcycle accidents in Pinellas County can impact victims of all ages. In fact, RideSmart states the average victim is in their mid to late 30s.
Protect Yourself Against Motorcycle Accident Injuries In Pinellas County This Spring
Riding a motorcycle is a fun hobby and provides a means of transportation for many people. However, whether you are a rider or passenger, it is important to be aware of the risks. Taking a few simple safety precautions can help to prevent motorcycle accident injuries in Pinellas County this spring. These include:
- Wear a helmet: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when Florida waived motorcycle helmet requirements back in 2000, motorcycle accident fatalities in the state tripled. When they reenacted the law 30 months later, the rates went back down.
- Use other safety gear: When riding a motorcycle in Pinellas County, wear long pants, appropriate shoes, gloves to increase your grip, and a visor to protect your eyes from glare.
- Drive sober: if you intend on having any amount to drink, park your bike and find another way home.
- Drive defensively: Unfortunately, reckless behavior on the part of other motorists is a common cause of crashes and collisions. Keep your eyes on the road at all times, give other drivers plenty of space, and watch for warning signs that could indicate an accident is imminent.
Our Pinellas County Motorcycle Accident Attorney Protects Your Rights In A Claim
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Pinellas County, you may be entitled to compensation. To protect your rights in filing a claim, contact The Reep Law Firm. Request a consultation with our Seminole motorcycle accident attorney today.
Sources:
ridesmartflorida.com/crashes-over-time/
wfla.com/news/pinellas-county/19-year-old-motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-on-roosevelt-boulevard-exit/
wtsp.com/article/news/crime/st-pete-men-arrested-street-racing-motorcycle-deadly-teen-crash/67-25189dc9-e624-49a2-bab8-288e6fbf681f
cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pdf/mc/motorcyclesafetyguide-a.pdf
