Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A new program could help save motorists involved in car accidents in Fort Myers. This new program is designed with Baby Boomers in mind and aims to provide emergency responders with vital information in the event of an accident, according to USA Today. The program makes critical information of drivers readily available in the first 60 minutes, or the "golden hour", of a crash. This is often the time period that can make a difference between life and death for an accident victim.

This is how it works: The state distributes yellow dot stickers to put on your vehicle's rear window. This yellow dot alerts emergency responders that there is a folder in the glove box, with the corresponding sticker, that contains useful and personal information like prescription information, a photograph, medical conditions and other similar information.

Our Fort Myers injury attorneys understand that information like this can be vital to emergency responders in the event of an accident. It is even more important when a driver is suffering from serious injuries and may not be able to communicate. While Florida is not one of the 8 states that currently participates in the program, we realize the need for a similar system.

"It's a promising approach," says Jonathan Adkins, spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association. "Actually, this is one of the goals of automated crash notification systems. Eventually, when there is a crash, these key data such as medication needed will automatically be available to EMTs. The Yellow Dot program may be a system that can be helpful in the meantime."

The first Yellow Dot program was introduced in Connecticut back in 2002. Other states that currently practice versions of the program include Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Virginia, Alabama and New York. Georgia is currently considering the program.

"It is very nice to see innovative programs to address the unique risks associated with older Americans and car crashes," says Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Since older individuals tend to have more medical conditions, are on more medications and are generally more fragile, this sounds like a well-justified program, especially in light of the growing number of older Americans."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 5,000 motorists over the age of 65 were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the United States in 2009. Another 187,000 of these motorists suffered serious injuries. The Yellow Dot program, influenced by these individuals, hopes to decrease these numbers as proper attention can be provided quicker with this information available in a motorist's glove box. This age group of motorists made up nearly 20 percent of all traffic accident fatalities for the year and accounted for nearly 10 percent of all suffered injuries. Florida lost nearly 500 motorists belonging to this age group in 2009.

Continue reading " Program Could Improve Medical Response in Wake of Car Accidents in Lee and Collier Counties " »

Transportation for America recently released their 2011 edition of their pedestrian safety report. This report examines the most recent data of pedestrian accidents in Fort Myers and elsewhere throughout the country. This study looked information of pedestrian accidents between 2000 to 2009 and concluded that Florida is number one for pedestrian fatalities.

The study reveals that Lee County reported to have witnessed nearly 200 pedestrian deaths over the last 10 years. These deaths made up nearly 20 percent of all recorded traffic fatalities for this time period. Pedestrian fatalities are more than 40 percent higher than that of the national average. Collier County saw more than 50 pedestrian deaths in the last 10 years, which makes up nearly 10 percent of all traffic deaths in the area, according to the News-Press.

Our Fort Myers pedestrian accident attorneys understand that accidents involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian can often end with fatal results, especially in Florida. For this reason, we urge all motorists to be extra cautious when driving on our roadways and to keep an eye out for our pedestrians as we're ranked number one in a contest we don't want to win.

After analyzing this information, Dangerous by Design 2011 looks over the results and creates ways to tackle the epidemic with solutions to decrease pedestrian death and injury on our roadways.

With the Sunshine State providing such beautiful weather year around, it is no surprise than many residents and visitors enjoy getting out in the open air to enjoy what our area has to offer.

The new reports states that, in the examined years, approximately 47,000 pedestrians were killed walking along our nation's streets. It also shows that another 668,000 pedestrians were injured during this time period.

The new additions of the report let us take a closer look into the areas that are most dangerous to our pedestrians. The website offers a link to visit an interactive map to see just how many accidents have occurred on roadways in your community.

Florida ranks as the number one most dangerous state for pedestrians as it has continuously seen the most pedestrian deaths. More than 5,000 pedestrians were killed during this time period in our state alone. These fatalities cost the state more than $22 billion.

Most of U.S. pedestrian fatalities occur on "arterial" roads that are just dangerous by design as they have been engineered to accommodate speedy traffic instead of pedestrian traffic.

If you'd like to help create change for pedestrian safety, you are urged to contact Congress and notify them about which areas needs improvements. With your help, pedestrian safety advocates hope to sway Congress to keep funding to help ensure the safety of our pedestrians.

Continue reading " New Report Ranks Florida Number One for Deadly Pedestrian Accidents " »

The Fort Myers personal injury lawyers at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, wish each of you a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Whether on the road, on a boat or elsewhere with friends and family, please stay safe and celebrate responsibly.

Law enforcement officials will be executing a number of traffic operations over the long holiday weekend. The Fort Myers Police Department will be focusing on those who drive while impaired as well as motorists who are not wearing their seat belt. The department also will be conducting vehicle safety checkpoints in an effort to reduce the risks of injury and car accidents in Fort Myers.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office joined the nationwide "Click it of Ticket" campaign that encourages all motorists to travel with their seat belts fastened. Their increased enforcement efforts began earlier this week and will continue on through the first week of June, according to Fort Myers Beach Talk.

"Your safety is paramount," said Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, "I just can't urge driver's enough to fasten that seat belt and make sure every occupant in the vehicle is properly secured, as well."

Statistics for the Sunshine State reveal that we were ranked 26th in the nation for seat belt usage in 2009. Local officials believe that we will improve, particularly in the wake of the passage of the state's primary seat belt law last year. The law now allows law enforcement to pull you over if you're not wearing a seat belt. Currently we sit at a usage rate of just over 87 percent.

A recent survey of 12 Florida counties, showed that Lee County ranks second only to Collier County which current has more than a 90 percent compliance rate.

Florida saw more than 900 motor vehicle accident fatalities because of motorists not wearing their seat belts in the event of an accident last year. Nearly 20 of these deaths happened in Lee County alone.

This seat belt enforcement will be coupled with traffic stops aiming to crack down on drunk drivers, according to the News-Press.

The Fort Myers Police Department will be conducting a number of sobriety checkpoints at various undisclosed locations throughout the city.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States saw nearly 11,000 fatalities resulting from accidents that involved an alcohol-impaired-driver in 2009. These accidents accounted more than 30 percent of all of the traffic accident fatalities for the year. Florida alone witnessed more than 900 of the fatalities for that year.

In a last effort to crack down on the rules of the road this Memorial Day holiday weekend, Lee County deputies will be conducting vehicle safety checkpoints during the entire week. These checkpoints are aimed at checking for valid driver's licenses, registrations and vehicle insurance. These stops are part of their initiative to inform and educate motorists about traffic safety rules and regulations.

Again, we urge all residents to be safe and cautious this Memorial Day weekend regardless of where you may be celebrating. Be sure to practice defensive driving skills, buckle up, do not drink and drive and make sure your vehicle meets all state and federal regulations.

Continue reading " Lee County Car Accidents a Memorial Day Weekend Danger " »

A fatal bicycling accident in Sanibel is still being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. The accident, which occurred last week, killed a 46-year-old Fort Myers cyclist and caused the Sanibel Causeway to close for several hours, according to the Sanibel-Captiva Islander.

Police report that a Fort Myers couple was riding their bikes along the causeway a little before 11:00 a.m. last week when a truck drifted into the bike lane and struck the couple. One of the bicyclists flew into the guardrail and into the San Carlos Bay.
Our Fort Myers bicycle attorneys would like to remind bicyclists that Florida is among the most dangerous states for riders. The spring and summer months bring out bicyclists of all ages, both residents and tourists. Motorists may not be the only threat to bicyclists as bike rental companies have been known to rent out defective equipment that can show signs of poor maintenance and put your safety at risk.

After being tossed into the bay, the victim was pulled from the water by boaters traveling nearby. Unfortunately, attempts to revive the bicyclist were unsuccessful.

The truck driver was not injured in the accident.

Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Owen T. Keen says that the patrol unit is still investigating whether or not the driver fell asleep at the wheel. It has also yet to be determined if the driver was under the influence of medication or suffered from any medical condition which may have triggered the accident.

"Something terribly went wrong and caused this crash," said Keen.

Charges against the driver have not been filed.

In honor of the fallen bicyclists and the two bicyclists from Estero who were killed in late February, the Caloosa Rider and the Bonita Bay Bicycle Club will dedicate their annual their "Ride Of Silence" to these four local residents.

The "Ride of Silence" is used to memorialize riders that have been injured or killed as it aims to draw motorist’s attention to the legal rights of bicyclists. They strongly urge motorists to keep a watchful eye for all cyclists.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 700 bicyclists were killed, and 52,000 injured, in traffic-related accidents in the United States in 2008. Bicyclists make up 2 percent of all traffic fatalities and 2 percent of all traffic-accident related injuries each year. In 2008, Florida witnessed nearly 150 bicyclist fatalities because of traffic-related accidents. As Florida provides beautiful weather all year long, motorists are urged to keep a look out for bicyclists at all times on all roadways.

Continue reading " Sanibel Car Accident Kills Fort Myers Bicyclist on Sanibel Causeway " »

Florida dog bites are the number one contributor to dog bite incidents in the United States, according to the Chicago Tribune. This newly released information comes after the nation's largest home and auto insurer released a list of the top 10 states for dog bite claims and the money paid out as a result.

According to State Farm, Florida holds the record for highest amount paid out per incident, at more than $38,000 per case. States falling under Florida cashed in on claims that were nearly $10,000 less.

Our Fort Myers dog bite attorneys recognize the popularity of our furry family members. We are a nation of dog lovers. Yet everyone is at risk of a serious dog bite as dog behavior can oftentimes be unpredictable. Dogs are naturally inquisitive and will typically not hesitate to approach humans to determine if they pose a threat or not. A wagging tail doesn't always mean they're happy, so we urge everyone to remain calm around unfamiliar dogs and allow the pooches to investigate before making any sudden movements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to help prevent yourself from being the victim of a dog bite:

-Stay away from unfamiliar dogs.

-If you come across an unknown dog, remain motionless.

-Do not run from a dog, and don't run away while screaming.

-Avoid eye contact with an unknown pup.

-Do not disturb dogs while they're eating, sleeping or caring for their pups.

-Allow a dog to see and sniff you before you try to pet it.

-If bitten by a dog, report the incident immediately.

-If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still.

-Spay or neuter your dog, as this oftentimes reduces aggressive tendencies in the pooch.

-Do not leave infants or any other young children alone with a dog.

-Be sure to play calm with your pooch. It is important to avoid playing aggressive games with your dog.

In 2006, more than 31,000 people that were bitten by dogs were forced to go under reconstructive surgery to correct the damage. Children are the most vulnerable to dog bites as children ages 5- to 9-years-old have the highest probability of being bit by a dog. Children are also more likely to receive medical attention for a dog bite than any other age group.

Nearly 5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One-fifth of these dog bites in Florida and elsewhere result in an injury that require medical attention.

According to the Chicago Tribune, dog bites caused more than 30 deaths last year.

Continue reading " State Farm Ranks Florida as Top State for Dog Bites " »

Deaths caused by motor-vehicle accident total approximately $41 billion in medical and work loss costs in the United States each year, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ten states account for half of these costs.

Our Fort Myers injury attorneys would like to point out that Florida is the third largest contributor to these statistics. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationwide there were more than 10 million vehicles involved in police-reported accidents in 2008.

Florida car accidents contributed more than $3 billion to these annual costs. The Sunshine State contributed $40 million in medical costs and more than $3 billion in work lost costs. Of these costs, young adult motor vehicles occupants were the lead contributor.

The CDC reports that the newly release data points to the following states to contributing to nearly half of the annual costs:

-California ($4.16 billion)

-Texas ($3.50 billion)

-Florida ($3.16 billion)

-Georgia ($1.55 billion)

-Pennsylvania ($1.52 billion)

-North Carolina ($1.50 billion)

-New York ($1.33 billion)

-Illinois ($1.32 billion)

-Ohio ($1.23 billion)

-Tennessee ($1.15 billion).

This data was taken from 2005 statistics as that is the most recent year in which this type of cost-related data is available.

"Deaths from motor vehicle crashes are preventable," said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "Seat belts, graduated driver's license programs, child safety seats, and helmet use save lives and reduce health care costs."

The CDC will be releasing a new fact sheet that will highlight these findings to coincide with the launch of the Decade in Action for Road Safety campaign. This campaign is a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about car accidents in an attempt to reduce the risk and stabilize car accidents by 2020.

This data has helped to determine the most at-risk drivers. Children under the age of 19 cost the United State nearly $900 million in one year.

"It's tragic to hear that anyone dies on our nation's roads. But it's especially so when the person who loses his or her life is a child or teenager," said Linda Degutis, Dr. P.H., M.S.N., director, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. "Child passenger safety laws and comprehensive graduated driver licensing laws are proven to protect young lives. We encourage states to strengthen and enforce these laws to help keep more of our young people safe."

As we previous discussed on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, a majority of Americans agree with the idea of passing even more driving laws and would like government officials to take even more actions to attempt to improve highway safety to reduce car accident risks.

The CDC's Injury Center recommends that states follow the strategies below to help prevent motor-vehicle related fatalities:

-Create more comprehensive graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems as they have been proven to reduce the number of teen crashes. GDL systems can help young drivers to gain driving experience under lower-risk conditions by allowing different driving privileges in different stages of the learning process. GDL systems have been shown to reduce the risks of a teen car accident by at least 40 percent.

-Create and enforce primary seat belt laws. Seat belts have been proven to reduce the risk of death to front-seat occupants by about half.

-Enlist a universal motorcycle helmet law that would require motorcyclists and riders of all ages to wear helmets. The use of a helmet can decrease the risks of death in a motorcycle accident by more than a third and can reduce the risk of suffering from brain injury by nearly 70 percent.

-Create stronger child-passenger safety regulations that would require children to be placed in age- and size-appropriate child safety and booster seats while riding in a motor vehicle.

"These preventable costs are a reflection of the terrible suffering of American families whose loved ones are killed or injured on the roads," said Norman Mineta, chairman of Make Roads Safe North America and the longest serving Secretary of Transportation in U.S. history. "Today, on the launch of the first-ever Decade of Action for Road Safety, occurring in 30 cities across our nation and 50 countries worldwide, it is time for all of us to take action to save lives at home and around the globe."

Continue reading " CDC Releases Report -- Florida One of the Most Expensive States for Car Accidents " »

A majority of Americans are on board with the idea of passing additional driving laws and would like government officials to take more actions to improve highway safety to reduce the risks of a car accident in Fort Myers and elsewhere in the United States, according to a recent survey released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The release of this survey follows the United Nations' kick off of ‘Decade of Action on Road Safety’. Their campaign aims to reduce the total number of motor vehicle accident deaths and injuries.

“Despite shrinking federal and state transportation budgets and a public debate over the most appropriate role of government, it’s clear that a majority of Americans want government officials to do more – not less – about highway safety,” said AAA President and CEO Bob Darbelnet. “From passing and enforcing laws about teen drivers and distracted driving to programs that improve the safety of our roadways and add safety equipment to vehicles, there are many steps government can take reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths in the U.S.”

Our Fort Myers injury attorneys understand that more laws and regulations may be needed to help increase the safety of all motorists. The United States is on board and has endorsed the Decade of Action. The campaign aims to stabilize and then reduce the number of deaths worldwide by 2020.

“At a time when more and more U.S. highway safety agencies are adopting “Toward Zero Death” goals, it is very heartening to see motorist support for more, not less action by government to make our roads safer,” added J. Peter Kissinger, President of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, that commissioned this survey.

The recently released survey reveals that:

-More than 60 percent of American citizens agree that the U.S. needs more laws to prevent people from participating in dangerous driving habits.

-Most of Americans believe that both automakers and the federal government should be doing more make cars safer.

-Nearly 90 percent of Americans think that all new drivers should have to complete a driver education course before they are able to get their driver’s license.

-More than 50 percent of Americans agree that their own state government needs to step up and do more to make their own roads safer.

-Nearly three-quarters of Americans agree that all driving safety laws need to be enforced more strictly.

“As the global community has initiated action to combat the public health crisis associated with motor vehicle crashes, the U.S. should lead by example and invest even greater resources in laws, education, technology and road design to reduce the daily highway carnage,” said Kissinger.

In the United States, more than 25,000 passenger-vehicle occupants lost their lives, and another 2.35 million were injured in traffic accidents in 2008, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That same year, Florida experienced nearly 2,000 traffic accident fatalities.

More than 1.3 million motorists are killed on roadways worldwide each year. Annually, roughly 3.5 million are injured, and many disabled as a result of car accidents worldwide.

Continue reading " Global Campaign Looks to Decrease Number of Vehicle Accidents in Fort Myers and Worldwide " »

Three teens were sent to the hospital as the result of a head on collision into a tree. The Collier County Sheriff's office reports that the driver involved in the Naples drunk driving accident was intoxicated, according to Naples Daily News.

Our Naples personal injury lawyers would like to remind teens, and parents, to practice safe driving during this time of year as teens will be hitting the roads in full force. With prom and graduation just around the corner, teen drivers will occupy our roads in larger numbers than previous months. If it important for parents to sit down with their teens and discuss the responsibilities of driving.

The Sheriff office reports that they responded to the call shortly after 7:00 p.m. The incident took place at the intersection of Maupiti Way and Island Walk Circle in the gated community of Island Walk off Vanderbilt Beach Drive.

Reports also indicate that it was raining during the time of the accident. The vehicle reportedly left 124-foot-long skid marks and was said to have received $10,000 in damage. The driver reportedly took the corner at a fast speed and lost control when he slid head on into a tree.

The driver of the vehicle was found outside of the car and was treated for a head injury. The two rear passengers were reported to have broken their necks in the accident and are expected to face long-term injuries.

After the driver left that hospital, he was picked up by local authorities. He is currently facing two counts of DUI-serious bodily injury to another, a DUI traffic offense and DUI-damage to property.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 11,000 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2009. Accidents involving alcohol made up more than 30 percent of the total number of vehicle accident fatalities in the U.S.

In 2008, there were more than 208 million licensed drivers in the United States. Teen drivers counted for more than 6 percent, 13.3 million, of those drivers. Nearly 2,500 teen drivers were killed, and another 169,000 were injured in 2008 in motor vehicle accidents. In 2009, more than 5,100 teen drivers were involved in car accidents where the use of alcohol was involved. Florida experienced nearly 500 teen fatalities because of car accidents in 2009.

Because of these alarming statistics, parents are urged to speak with their young driver about the responsibilities of driving and the consequences of poor driving decisions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions offers parents with this parent-teen driving contract to help you set out some ground rules for your child while they're behind the wheel. Working together with your teen can help to reduce the number of teen accidents and keep your young driver safe.

Continue reading " Teen in Naples Drunk Driving Accident " »

It's no surprise that Florida residents and visitors enjoy spending time outdoors. But spring is also one of the most dangerous times of year for motorcycle riders. More than a million drivers in Florida currently have a motorcycle endorsement on their license. In an attempt to help keep our motorcyclists safe and to decrease the risks of a motorcycle accident in Fort Myers and elsewhere across the United States,Governor Rick Scott declared May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Florida, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers urge motorcycle riders and all other motorists to be cautious behind the wheel this spring as more and more drivers will be hitting the road.

“Florida made significant strides as motorcycle crash fatalities dropped 35 percent in the past five years. While the news is encouraging, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles remains vigilant in our efforts to reduce injuries and fatalities on Florida’s roadways and promote a safe driving environment,” said DHSMV Executive Director Julie L. Jones. “Through partnerships with safety advocates and law enforcement agencies, we continue to put motorcycle safety on everyone’s radar because we are all responsible for motorcycle safety.”

As we recently discussed on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, motorcycle accidents occur quite often throughout the nation. As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, there were more than 5,200 motorcyclists killed, and another 96,000 injured in 2008. More than 500 of those motorcycle fatalities occurred in Florida alone.

“As a matter of safety, it is necessary to develop appropriate driving habits to handle these vehicles on Florida roadway,” Governor Rick Scott said. “To prevent injuries and deaths on Florida’s roadways, motorcyclists and motorists must be vigilant in their efforts to share the road and ensure the safety of everyone.”

Even though statistics, from the Governors Highway Safety Association, show that in recent years motorcycle fatalities have decreased slightly, by 2 percent in 2010 and 16 percent in 2009, motorcycle riders are still the most vulnerable motorists on the road.

"Motorcyclists take to the highways in large numbers every spring, and it's the responsibility of all road users to welcome us safely and attentively," said American Motor Association President and CEO Rob Dingman. "This is why many states and local governments officially promote motorcycle awareness during the month of May. Unfortunately, many road users are not always mindful of those with whom they share the road, and an annual reminder is necessary for them to acknowledge the flow of motorcycles in traffic."

Causes of a motorcycle accident can be attributed to a number of factors, as the NHTSA lists:

-Failure to use defensive driving techniques.

-Lack of recognition by other motorists on the roadways,

-Failure to recognize and understand the limitations of the motorcycle.

-Neglecting to follow speed limit.

-Poor road conditions.

-Passengers. Make sure that when you're riding with a passenger that they're knowledgeable about the functions and safety measures of a motorcycle. Also, be sure that your bike has a passenger seat and footrests.

-Poor weather conditions, especially slippery roads in Florida.

If you'd like to get involved with National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, BikeWeek offers you a complete list of events taking place to help raise awareness of the vulnerable drivers.

Continue reading " Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month aims Reduce Risks of Motorcycle Accidents in Florida " »

The Governor of Florida, Rick Scott, proclaims May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, according to Bikeweek.com.

Our governor is using the month of May to recognize the large number of motorcycle riders operating in Florida. He also understands the safety and awareness concerns surrounding the dangers of motor vehicles sharing our roadways with motorcycles. Safety advocates understand the need for safer roads in Florida and are pushing awareness as a way to decrease the risk of motorcycle accidents in Fort Myers and elsewhere in the state.

“As a matter of safety, it is necessary to develop appropriate driving habits to handle these vehicles on Florida roadway,” Scott said. “To prevent injuries and deaths on Florida’s roadways, motorcyclists and motorists must be vigilant in their efforts to share the road and ensure the safety of everyone.”

Our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers know Florida is the riding capital of the United States; our state is home to more than 1 million licensed riders. For four decades, we have represented riders and their families in the fight against inattentive drivers and their insurance companies.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a safety tips to every motorists to help the better understand motorcyclists:

-When you see a motorcycle on the road, treat it not just as a motorcycle but as another vehicle that could be your friend, relative or neighbor.

-When you do see a motorcycle, remember that it will probably look farther away than it actually is. When you're looking to turn and see a motorcycle, predict it is closer than it appears.

-Because of their small size, a motorcycle can get lost in a car's blind spots. Take an extra moment to double check for motorcycles when you're changing lanes or making a turn.

-Remember that a turn signal on a motorcycle is not self-canceling like those on passenger-vehicles. When you see a motorcyclist with their signal activated, make sure it is for real.

-While motorcycles can maneuver easily, don't assume that they're showing off or being reckless as they oftentimes zigzag in their lanes to avoid debris and wind from passing cars.

-As motorcyclists slow down by downshifting instead of using their brakes, it is important not to follow too closely. Downshifting does not activate a brake light. For this reason, you should allow more following distance, say three or four seconds.

-The stopping distance for a motorcycle is just about the same as it is for cars. Wet pavement makes stopping a lot more difficult for bikes. Yet, another reason to not follow too closely.

-Bikes oftentimes appear to be traveling faster than they actually are. Don't assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.

Out of all motor vehicles, motorcycles are the most vulnerable on our roadways. As they do not have seat belts, a rider can be easily be thrown from the motorcycle in a crash, which can result in serious injury -- or death.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 5,300 motorcyclists killed, and an additional 96,000 injured, in 2008. Florida witnessed more than 520 of those fatalities that year.

Gov. Rick Scott and other Florida officials urge you to use the month of May to recognize the growing number of motorcycle riders in Florida, according to the Pensacola News Journal, especially as warmer weather and daylight savings encourage bikers to hit the open road.

A complete list of nationwide motorcycle events can be found on the BikeWeek website.

Continue reading " Governor Declares May Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to Help Reduce Risks of Florida Motorcycle Accidents " »

For the second year in a row, the Florida Department of Transportation hosted the "Ride Straight State to State: None for the Road Motorcycle Run," in attempt to reduce the risks of a motorcycle accident in Fort Myers and elsewhere, according to the Westchase Patch.

The ride consisted of law enforcements and motorcyclists from Alabama, Georgia and Florida. They all met at the Florida Welcome Center on U.S. 231, at the Alabama-Florida state line.

Our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys urge all motorists to practice caution on our roadways and to be aware of all drivers on the road. Motorcyclists are especially at risk on our Florida roadways during this time of the year as the beautiful weather brings out motorists of all types.

Representatives from the Community Traffic Safety Teams, Florida's Motorcycle Safety Coalition Members, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Rider Training Program Personnel and local law enforcement agencies greeted cyclists as they arrived at the center. The motorcyclists rode together to the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally that was held in Panama City Beach.

Motorcycle accidents reportedly dropped 2 percent for the first nine months of last year, according to The New York Times. Officials believe this statistic is just a fluke; the number of fatal accidents has increased each year for more than a deacade.

More than 5,250 motorcyclists were killed, and another 96,000 injured, in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the same year, Florida saw more than 520 of those motorcycle fatalities. The most recent statistics, provided by Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles show that the 2009 motorcyclist fatality number dipped 24 percent to 402.

The Governors Highway Safety Association recently released a report stating there were 80 fewer motorcycle deaths from January to September of 2010 than the same time period of the previous year. While those statistics may be appealing to motorcyclists, they better read the fine print before getting too excited. Fatalities climbed back up during the last three of those nine recorded months. It's that increase that caught the eyes of safety advocates.

"The drop is all in the front half of the year," said report author Jim Hedlund, a safety consultant. "It looks very much as if we've hit bottom and may be starting back up again."

Overall, motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled since the late 1990's. Now that the economy is starting to show signs of recovery, motorcyclists and safety advocates are concerned that the number of accident fatalities will rebound as well.

The Motorcycle Safety Group offers these tips to help motorists stay safe on our roadways:

-Always wear a helmet and make sure it is DOT approved.

-Steer clear of blind spots. Remember, if you can't see a driver, then the driver can't see you.

-Do not wear sunblock on your face inside your helmet. The sunblock vaporizes with the heat, keeping the vapor in your helmet and causing irritation that can hinder your vision.

-Be cautious near road construction areas.

-Be sure to clearly signal your next move. Other motorists are quick to look past you as you are such a small object on the road, in comparison. Make you're movements known.

Continue reading " Advocates Team Up to Raise Awareness of Motorcycle Accidents in Fort Myers and Elsewhere " »