Last Saturday Live Oak resident, Charles Holt, died from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident. Holt, age 63, was participating in a charity event for The Lupus Foundation when he lost control of his 1982 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Holt was not wearing a helmet.
The state of Florida accounts for 9% of motorcycle fatalities in the United States. Experts claim this might be due to Florida relaxing its helmet laws back in the year 2000.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, in the three years prior to the change in the helmet law, Florida averaged 160 motorcycle deaths per year. In 2001, that number rose to 246. By the year 2006, the number had risen to an astonishing 550.
As a result of the increasing number of deaths, Florida enacted a motorcycle safety training law, requiring motorcyclists to take and pass a Basic Rider Course. The year after this law was enacted, the number of deaths decreased for three consecutive years, although motorcycle registrations also declined along with the failing economy.
The most recent data from 2010, 2011, and 2012 shows motorcycle deaths are again on the rise, totaling 382, 452 and 457 respectively.
According to National data, other states such as Pennsylvania and Michigan also experienced an increase in motorcycle fatalities after they relaxed their helmet laws.
At Steven A. Bagen and Associates we have helped thousands of motorcycle drivers and passengers who have been injured on a motorcycle. We have also helped thousands of families who have lost loved ones in motorcycle accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an automobile accident call us today at (800)800-2575 or send us an email to SABOFFICE@BAGENLAW.com
