Motorcycle Passenger Fatalities on the Rise

South Florida weather is perfect for motorcyclists this time of year and it’s a popular pastime in the Sunshine State. But it’s also a deadly one. Just days ago, a Broward motorcyclist died when he crashed his bike into the guardrail of a Florida Turnpike ramp. Even his helmet didn’t save his life. Fortunately, he didn’t have a passenger on his bike at the time. The number of motorcycle passenger deaths due to accidents went up 27% last year, according a recent Florida’s Highway Safety & Motor Vehicle report. There were close to 7,500 motorcycle accidents last year and nearly 400 deaths. Of those, 33 were passengers on the bikes. Even the safest and well-trained riders are not immune to accident injuries. This year’s popular Biketoberfest 2011 in Daytona Beach ended with six fatalities due to motorcycle accidents. Why so many motorcycle crashes? Some blame the repeal of the helmet law in Florida. In 2000, Florida stopped requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets. The number of fatalities due to motorcycle accidents jumped to 81% in the first three years after the repeal took effect. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Deaths among Florida riders 21 years old and younger nearly tripled after 2000. (Riders younger than 21 must still wear a helmet.) The legal team at the Law Offices of Robert Rubenstein has extensive experience with motorcycle and auto accidents. The firm can also answer questions about which type of motorcycle insurance coverage you should carry. In Miami (305) 661-6000 and in Broward (954) 661-6000.