This past Friday marked the beginning of Bike Week in Daytona Beach. During this 10-day event, bikers from all over the country will come together in Central Florida to celebrate motorcycle culture.
The event is expected to bring over half a million bikers to Central Florida, which may lead to a rise in motorcycle accidents.
With more motorcycles on the road, Bike Week has been known to cause numerous fatalities in years past. Although connecting motorcyclist deaths directly to Bike Week is not always possible, these fatalities have spiked significantly in certain years. In 2006, more than 20 people were killed in accidents involving motorcycles during Bike Week.
Recent years have seen declines in Bike Week-related deaths. Last year, only two fatalities were thought to be related to the event. In 2010, it was four fatalities. Some accidents have occurred this year as a result of unfavorable weather, but so far fatalities have not occurred.
If you are visiting Central Florida for Bike Week, stay safe and avoid car and motorcycle accidents by:
- Wearing a helmet.
- Never driving your motorcycle while intoxicated.
- Remaining vigilant for pedestrians, especially in crowded Bike Week venues.
- Avoiding tailgating or riding between lanes, both of which may make it difficult for motorists to see you.
- Maintaining a safe distance.
- Reducing speed in rain and other inclement weather conditions.
If you are a responsible cyclist who has been injured by a careless motorist in an auto accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injury-related expenses.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Orlando or the surrounding Central Florida cities, please contact experienced accident attorney Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., to schedule a consultation.