More motorcyclists over the age of 45 are hitting the roads
National highway safety statistics indicate that people over the age of 45 are increasingly riding motorcycles in the United States, and the number of motorcyclists over the age of 45 who are killed in fatal collisions is increasing accordingly. According to statistics compiled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 44 percent of motorcycle operators killed in highway collisions were 45 years of age or older in 2010. The state of Florida passed a law in 2008 requiring motorcyclists to pass a safety training course offered through the Florida Rider Trainer Program before obtaining a motorcycle operator’s license, and since then the number of motorcycle collisions has reduced throughout the state. Motorcycle riders 20 years of age or younger are required to wear a helmet compliant with federal safety guidelines when operating a motorcycle. Riders age 21 and older are allowed to opt not to wear a helmet while riding provided that they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance. Motorcycles carrying passengers must be equipped with foot pegs. Safety experts also recommend that riders wear brightly colored clothing in order to increase their visibility to other motorists sharing the road.
As an auto accident lawyer San Francisco, I am hopeful that all motorists, cyclists and drivers alike, practice safer habits to decrease the dangers we all face on the road. If you or someone you love has been injured in any type of traffic accident, please consider contacting a San Francisco personal injury attorney.
