TAMPA, Fla. (Newsradio 970 WFLA)-There's a new report out just in time for Daytona Bike Week. The report is not good news for the thousands who ride here in the Sunshine State.
Florida leads the nation in motorcycle crash fatalities according to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The most recent data shows Florida with a 30% increase in motorcycle deaths. Motorcycle riders accounted for 20% of vehicle fatalities in Florida. In spite of the new figures, motorcycles account for just 3% of registered vehicles here.
The top Florida counties in motorcycle deaths are Miami-Dade with 67, Hillsborough comes in 2nd with 48 and Pinellas County is 5th with 27. Volusia County, home of bike week, was 11th with 21 motorcycle deaths.
According to a AAA Consumer Pulse™ survey the majority (83%) of motorcyclists claim to wear a helmet when they ride. But, according to a motorcycle helmet usage report, only 47% of riders in Florida were observed wearing a helmet while riding.
Daytona Bike Week runs from the 10th through the 19th of March.
Photo and statistics courtesy of AAA.