-
- In 2011, the median hospital charge for motorcyclists admitted to a Florida hospital for the treatment of traffic crash injuries was $56,966.
- In 2011, the median hospital charge for motorcyclists treated and released from a Florida emergency department for the treatment of traffic crash injuries was $3,585
- The total hospital charges for initial treatment of motorcyclists injured in traffic crashes in 2011 was $ 411,783,763
-
- In 2011, 49% of motorcyclist hospitalizations and emergency department visits were not covered by commercial insurance [1].
- Vehicles turning left: These collisions account for 42% of all crashes between motorcycles and other vehicles. If a car fails to see the motorcycle or judges their speed incorrectly, they will turn left in front of the motorcycle causing the crash. This is statistically the worst kind of situation for the motorcyclist.
- Head-on collisions: A key majority of motorcycle crashes with cars happen when they collide head-on. These types of crashes result in a higher fatality rate than other types of crashes.
- Lane splitting: When motorcyclists ride in between two lanes of cars, usually when there's traffic or car movement is slow and stopped, there's a chance it may not end well. It is essential for motorcyclists to be smart when they ride and to use precaution when opting for lane splitting. And while lane splitting is illegal in Florida, according to the Hurt Report, the maneuver reduced the motorcyclist's exposure to constant accelerating and breaking vehicles, consequently reducing their crash occurrence on highways. Whether it's safer or not, bottom line is that it's illegal and still a common cause of accident [3].
- Changing lanes: A car from another lane may suddenly veer into the space of a motorcyclist's because of their blind spots or negligence in looking. It is important for motorcyclists to be aware of blind spots because bikes can easily fit into these spots.
- Turning a corner too fast: When motorcyclists round a corner too fast, they risk the loss of traction or reaction time to whatever may be in their oath on the other side of a corner. On the road, “slow in and fast out” is an effective rule of thumb. Enter a corner wide, to increase vision and at an easy pace and then pick up speed on the way out [2].
- Speeding and alcohol impairment: Statistically, approximately half of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes have speeding and alcohol use as factors. This information was concluded by the largest study ever conducted on motorcycle accident causation in 1981 and still stands today.
- Crashes between motorcycles and stationary objects: Motorcyclists crashing with fixed objects results in 25% of motorcyclist deaths. Cyclist's call the area next to parked cars within a doors' width “The Death Zone” for a reason. Never ride between an active traffic lane and parked cars. This is not just because people will open their doors, but also because pedestrians step out, cars pull out for visual reference and other reasons for which will cause a collision.
- Road hazards: Hazards such as potholes, icy conditions, uneven lanes and debris in the road pose significant danger to motorcyclists [3].
- Weather related: Any weather condition that leaves the pavement slippery can lead to loss of traction for motorcyclists. Rain in Florida is inevitable and sometimes cyclists find themselves stuck in a down pour. It's always smart to check the weather before riding and to also be as cautious as possible with low visibility.
- Riding with a distracting riders: It is common for motorcyclists to go on rides together. Sometimes riding with buddies and knowing of riding mistakes such as driving erratically or drifting off into day dreams can help to encourage safety. It is always best to prevent accidents with bikers by riding together in a staggered formation.
- Locking the front break: Because of various distractions, motorcyclists' can grab the front of the break too much and end up tumbling over the handlebars. The best way to make sure that this doesn't happen is to learn how to properly use the front break on the motorcycle and to always be aware when riding.