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In 2013 alone, there were over 3,000 motorcycle fatalities across the United States, 350 of them being in Florida. This has caused uproar in the safety measures that are being taken to prevent injuries and fatalities relating to motorcyclists. Even when there is an accident without a fatality, the chance of sustaining an extremely severe injury are very high with motorcyclists. Brain damage can occur if the head strikes the pavement or another blunt force. The nerves in areas of the body which show road rash can be damaged. There are several other injuries that can occur such as internal bleeding, burns, broken bones, and chest complications. Here are measures being taken to decrease motorcycle accidents.
Special Rules for Military Members
There are several new laws that have been put into place that requires the military members who choose to ride motorcycles to be better prepared. This preparedness has saved the lives of many whom have recently been involved in motorcycle accidents. There are over 1,500 military members in the northern part of Florida alone that have a license to operate a motorcycle and these members are required to do the following:
- Wear proper reflective and protective gear
- Register with military officials once they have obtained their license to operate a motorcycle
- Always wear a helmet when operating the motorcycle
- Attend training courses that specialize in safety for motorcycle operators
Citizens might not have to follow the same rules required by the military but the military members who are also motorcyclists must always obey both the laws of the location and the required military laws.
Laws that Apply to All Motorcyclists
Even though they may not be posted up all over town, motorcyclists must obey a few extra laws than the regular motorists. Here are a few rules of the road when operating a motorcycle on Florida highways:
- Always use headlights, day or night
- Eye protection is required, Helmets are required under circumstances
- Left and Right mirrors are required
- Passenger footrest is required if passenger is riding
- Motorcycle course is mandatory for first-timers
These rules are set into place to prevent motorcycle accidents. Although there is no age or restriction of age on passengers anyone under the age of 21 must wear a helmet. In the state of Florida if you are over 21, you must have at least $10,000 set aside in medical insurance to be able to ride your motorcycle without a helmet. Motorcycle accidents where there have been fatalities have been used to compile these rules and regulations. Any licensed operator must comply with the rules in their area or they may risk losing their license.