The sheer freedom of driving through the beautiful state of Florida gives a sense of fun and happiness. The feeling doubles when riding through the Sunshine State on a motorcycle. This is because motorcycles are uncovered; hence, riders can enjoy a first-hand view of the lovely scenery of the state. However, the thrill of cruising on a motorcycle also comes with several risks. Firstly, in Florida, the roads are smooth and can entice motorcyclists to ride beyond the standard speed limit.
Furthermore, the state frequently experiences sea breeze storms, and it’s considered the most hurricane-ravaged region in the US. The combination of these two factors (good road and bad weather) makes Florida one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists. Read on to learn more about the causes of motorcycle accidents in the state and what to do when you have a motorcycle accident. In this article, you’ll also read about riding motorcycle during Florida’s hurricane season.
Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents In Florida
The Size of Motorcycles
Motorcycles have a small size in comparison to their counterparts; cars, buses, and trucks. The size of motorcycles is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents as it causes them to be easily overlooked and unnoticed by other drivers. Also, other normal-sized or bigger vehicles could obstruct the view of motorcyclists, thus preventing them from sighting impending dangers early.
It’s therefore advisable for motorcyclists to wear colorful clothing to make them more noticeable on the road. You should also make sure to turn on your signal lights and headlights when necessary.
Speed
When motorcyclists drive at high speed, the brain will not have enough time to react to sudden situations. For example, if you’re going too fast, you may not see an approaching car or a pedestrian until it’s too late. In general, high driving speed lowers response time, and this could cause unnecessary accidents.
Distracted driving
Whether you’re driving a car, van, or motorcycle, it requires your undiluted attention. Distractions such as texting, chatting, calling, and sleeping while driving could cause serious accidents.
Weather and Season
The weather and season of the year affect the road temperature and this, in turn, affects your tires. During the spring and summer, the temperature is usually warmer, and the roads also get very warm; during this period, your tires and engines will work more to have a good grip on the road. In general, the higher the temperature of the road, the higher the chance of automobile accidents. However, during rain storms and hurricanes, the road temperature decreases, but the roads get slippery. Slippery roads cause less friction which can lead to more motorcycle accidents. To reduce accidents caused by changing weather, motorcyclists should learn to drive carefully and use the right tires suitable for each season.
Tips For Driving Safely During Florida’s Hurricane Season
Here are the top 3 tips for driving safely during Florida’s hurricane season:
Be aware of the weather conditions
Firstly, motorcycle riders should look for weather alerts and warnings before they head out on their bikes. You could get some apps that help to monitor and give notifications about upcoming storms and hurricanes.
Prepare yourself and your bike
Endeavor to pack a rain suit, goggles, and other protective gear whenever you’re driving out during hurricane season. Also, during winter, be sure to check your tires and change your tires to winter tires which give a better grip on wet roads.
Stay Off The Road If It Becomes Unsafe
Avoid driving on flooded roads and always stay off of bridges that are closed or have been knocked down by flooding. In addition, avoid driving at night because there is an increased risk of getting into an accident with other drivers due to poor visibility.
What To Do When You Have A Motorcycle Accident
There are many things that you should do if you have a motorcycle accident. First, make sure you call 911 right away and wait for help to arrive. Next, if there is another person involved in the accident, try to get their contact information, license plate number, and insurance number so that they can be contacted later on by police officers or insurance companies. It would be best if you also took pictures of the area around the crash site before anything is moved or touched so that this can be used as evidence in court later on when you go through your insurance claim process.
Lastly, make sure to contact an expert motorcycle accident attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation that you deserve.
