Forbes says Jacksonville is the most dangerous city for motorcyclists

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville’s number of motorcycle deaths grew by 282% from the years 2011 to 2021, according to an article from Forbes citing a decade of research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says that last year there were 18 motorcycle fatalities, compared to 11 so far this year.

With May being National Motorcyclist Safety Month, the Florida Highway Patrol urges riders to always wear protective clothing.

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is launching its Share the Road Campaign to educate drivers and reduce traffic fatalities in the Sunshine state.

According to the FLHSMV, May’s Share The Road Campaign focuses on drivers sharing the road with bicyclists, pedestrians, and especially motorcycles.

The campaign says in 2022, motorcyclists in Florida had 9,150 crashes, with 590 deaths, and more than 2,000 with serious injuries.

So far this year, Duval County has had 60 traffic fatalities as of the end of April.

The Share the Road Campaign asks motorcyclists to always wear a helmet at all times of the day and night.

The following are tips for motorcyclists’ safety from the FLHSMV’s Share The Road Campaign.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness

Motorcycle and moped drivers have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. Learn more about motorcycle rules and responsibilities by downloading the Florida Motorcycle Handbook. Learn more about approved motorcycle safety courses, motorcycle endorsements or Motorcycle Only licenses, by visiting the Florida Rider Training Program.

Rules for Motorcyclists

• Under Florida law, motorcyclists must wear eye protection and U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant protective head gear or helmet. Motorcyclists over the age of 21 can only ride or operate a motorcycle without a helmet if they have proper insurance coverage.
• To obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their driver license or a Motorcycle Only license, motorcyclists must complete an approved motorcycle safety course.
• Motorcycles and mopeds may not be operated on bicycle paths or foot paths.

Tips for Motorists

• Never attempt to share the lane with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist is entitled to the entire lane.
• Watch for motorcycles and look carefully before pulling into an intersection or changing lanes.
• It is difficult to gauge the speed of a motorcycle; they may appear to be much farther away than they really are.
• Do not follow too closely behind a motorcycle; motorcycles have the ability to stop more quickly than other vehicles.
• Motorcyclists often slow down by down-shifting or rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light.
• Never pass a motorcyclist with only a few feet of space. The force of the wind gust can cause the rider to lose control.
• When being passed by a motorcycle, maintain your lane position and do not increase your speed.
• Maintain a four-second buffer zone between you and a motorcyclist, and increase space when encountering inclement weather, gusty winds, wet or icy roads, bad road conditions and railroad crossings.

©2023 Cox Media Group