In 2000, Florida repealed its law that required motorcyclists to wear safety helmets. As a result, helmet use dropped by half to about 52 percent of riders in 2002, reports the Sun Sentinel. Now, more than 10 years after the law’s repeal, state traffic officials say they have seen a slight uptick in the number of riders wearing their helmets.
A Department of Transportation (DOT) survey found that helmet use in 2010 was up slightly in Broward and Palm Beach counties to 55 and 47 percent, respectively. Safety campaigns that urge bikers to wear a helmet are credited with the increased use. In 2008, a state law mandated all motorcyclists take a training course before receiving the motorcycle rider endorsement on their driver’s license.
Traumatic brain injury caused 29 percent of motorcycle crash deaths in 2009. The public should care because the average cost to treat a motorcycle injury is about $53,000, with insurance picking up roughly half of the emergency room and hospital stays.
The DOT has found that sport bike owners are more likely to don a helmet than riders on a touring motorcycle. While many say the cost of traumatic injuries is enough evidence to reinstate the mandatory helmet law, motorcycle enthusiast groups still insist the freedom that comes from going without a helmet is worth giving riders an individual choice whether or not to wear one.
Because there is a bit of a bias when a motorcycle is involved in an auto accident, it’s important to have an experienced Florida motorcycle accident attorney on your side to make sure the investigation reveals the actual party responsible. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, Farah & Farah will be there to help you seek compensation for your injuries and lost wages. Call us at 1 (800) 614-3136.
Source: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-11-14/news/fl-motorcycle-helmets-use-20111111_1_helmet-law-motorcycle-riders-motorcyclists
