Studies Show Age May Play a Role in Orlando Motorcycle Accidents

In Florida, we have a number of retirees who choose to live out their golden years in the warmth and beauty of our Sunshine State. Many retirees decide to take up motorcycle riding to take in the warm air and sunlight. Although fun, new studies show that an Orlando motorcycle accident may be more dangerous for older riders.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Despite popular belief and the popularity of annual events such as Daytona Beach, Florida is not the number one state for motorcycle accidents. However, fatal motorcycle accidents have increased in Florida. In 2019, the state accounted for 11% of fatal crashes.

Motorcycle Crashes by the Numbers

Although motorcycle accidents represent a relatively small percentage of overall motor vehicle crashes, Florida motorcycle accidents represent nearly 17% of all fatal accidents involving a motor vehicle. These numbers are concerning on their own, however, it’s important to remember that this data and the number of motorcycle deaths recorded are also influenced by other factors, such as helmet use, alcohol use, and overall driving habits.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can lead to devastating injuries, however, they are statistically much more uncommon than accidents involving other types of motor vehicles. Over a five-year period, motorcycle accidents accounted for only 2% of all Florida motor vehicle accidents.

Studies show that although life-threatening injuries and fatalities are much more likely on a motorcycle compared to other vehicles, non-incapacitating injuries are still much more common than fatal crashes.

Motorcycle Fatalities

Per county, Miami-Dade sees the highest number of deadly motorcycle crashes. Orange County, home to the city of Orlando, also ranks as a high-risk county at number four. Motorcycle riders are at greater risk of serious injuries or fatal crashes on weekends than on weekdays. Although motorcycle passengers are at less risk than motorcycle drivers, their risk also increases substantially on weekends.

Helmet Use

Most motorcyclists know that wearing a safety helmet is important, especially due to the lack of protection offered by a two-wheeled vehicle. However, many riders neglect to use proper head protection. Florida has no universal helmet law; in 2019, 52% of motorcycle fatalities involved a driver not using a helmet. Statistics report that motorcycle passengers involved in an accident are also less likely to wear a helmet than drivers.

Although wearing a DOT-compliant helmet is one of the best safety measures that motorcycle riders can take to prevent injury, accidents, and fatalities can still occur while using common safety gear.

Alcohol Use

Florida motorcycle accident statistics show that the state does not rank particularly high for alcohol-related motorcycle crashes. However, among the total number of motorcycle accidents, about 46% of drivers and 44% of passengers involved in motorcycle fatalities were found to be using alcohol.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Age

The University of Rochester recently published the results of a study that found that people over the age of 40 were 1.5 times more likely to be fatally wounded in a motorcycle crash. In addition, if a rider survives the injuries sustained in a collision, the length of time they must stay in the hospital also increases. What is alarming is that the number of injuries in motorcyclists between the ages of 50 – 59 has increased, while injuries in motorcyclists between the ages of 20 – 29 have decreased.

If you or someone you love is over the age of 40 and loves to ride their motorcycle, it is crucial to stay vigilant and take all safety precautions. Here are a few tips to ride safely.

• Never drink and ride– Injuries due to alcohol consumption and riding increased for both young and older riders. Never get on the back of a bike if you have been drinking.
• Always wear a helmet– The helmet laws in Florida are not strict, and many people who qualify to legally ride without a helmet choose not to do so. This can be a catastrophic decision if you are involved in an Orlando motorcycle crash.
• Protect your body– Wearing protective gear is essential. Cover your arms and legs to prevent serious road rash and infection.

Get Help With Your Injuries After An Orlando Motorcycle Accident

With older riders on the road, it is important to stay aware and to ride safely. If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, help from an Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get a settlement to cover the costs of your injuries, regardless of age. Contact Auto Justice Attorney to learn more about how we can help you.