Motorcycle crash deaths spike in Okaloosa, Escambia

March 09--With the 76th annual Daytona Bike Week scheduled to begin Friday and run through March 19, motorcycles will be in the spotlight in Florida. But the picture for safety is grim based on 2015 statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to the most recent crash data, Florida saw a 30 percent increase in motorcycle deaths, making 2015 the highest on record for the state. Motorcyclists accounted for one-fifth (20 percent) of Florida's motor vehicle fatalities, yet motorcycles only account for 3 percent of registered vehicles. In 2015, 606 people died and 9,045 were injured in motorcycle crashes in Florida. Those were obvious increases from 449 and 9,854, respectively, from 2014.

"Time and time again the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets has been proven through scientific study," said Karen Morgan, public policy manager for the American Automobile Association (AAA). "AAA strongly supports a universal helmet law in Florida."

Among the top counties for motorcycle fatalities, Miami-Dade was by far the leader in 2015 with 67, followed by Hillsborough (48), Broward (42), Palm Beach (34) and Pinellas (27) in the top five. Northwest Florida was well up the list, with Escambia (14th, 12), Okaloosa (17th, 11) and Bay (19th, 10) all landing in the top 20 of Florida's 67 counties.

Santa Rosa, Walton and Jackson counties, each with 2 motorcycle fatalities, and Gulf County with one were near the bottom of the list. Calhoun, Holmes and Washington were among the state's 18 counties that did not record a motorcycle death in 2015.

What does stick out for the Panhandle, particularly for Escambia and Okaloosa, is the spike in fatalities. Of the top 20 counties in overall deaths, they are among the top seven in increases from 2014 to 2015: 1. Brevard (8 to 22 deaths, 175 percent increase); 2. Palm Beach (17-34, 100 percent); 2. Lee (13-26, 100 percent); 2. Pasco (11-22, 100 percent), 2. Escambia (6-12, 100 percent); 6. Sarasota (8-15, 87.5 percent); 7. Okaloosa (6-11, 83.33 percent).

According to a AAA Consumer Pulse survey, most motorcyclists (83 percent) claim to wear a helmet when they ride. But according to a motorcycle helmet usage report, only 47 percent of riders in Florida were seen wearing a helmet.

Economic cost

Motorcycle crashes are costly, yet a AAA Consumer Pulse survey indicated one in seven motorcyclists (15 percent) do not have motorcycle insurance. According to the Florida Department of Health, hospital charges for motorcyclists injured in crashes totaled more than $675 million. The average cost for a motorcyclist involved in a traffic crash who was admitted to the hospital was $83,676. Helmet use has been shown to significantly reduce the cost.

"Wearing a helmet could mean the difference between life and death," said Josh Carrasco, a spokesman for AAA. "Our goal is to make sure all motorists arrive safely at their destination, including motorcyclists."

AAA SAFETY TIPS

Wear safety gear

Helmets that meet DOT compliance standards, eye wear, closed-toe footwear and protective clothing reduce ther risk of injury or death in a crash. Remember, the only thing between the rider and the ground is protective gear.

Be visible

Keep headlights, marker and taillights on at dusk and dark and in rainy weather. Wear bright clothing or put reflective strips on your bike to be more visible to other motorists. Avoid being in the blind spots of cars and trucks by following three to four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.

Use sound judgment

Avoid weaving between lanes while riding. Be sure to use your signals and stick to the speed limit.

Get proper training

Completing a motorcycle safety course can make you a better rider and save money on motorcycle insurance.

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