Florida law focuses on Treasure Coast motorcycle safety
In Florida’s Treasure Coast region, deadly motorcycle collisions are becoming more frequent, a trend law enforcement officers in the area’s St. Lucie County are hoping to reverse by more strictly monitoring the riding habits of motorcycle riders in the area and issuing a greater number of citations to motorcyclists for engaging in unsafe behavior. More than ten deadly motorcycle collisions have occurred in St. Lucie County over the past three years. Law enforcement officers report seeing motorcycle operators engaging in unsafe behaviors, such as popping wheelies, “skating” alongside their motorcycles with their feet skidding across the asphalt, standing on their seats, and riding at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Currently, the Treasure Coast area has one of the highest motorcycle fatality rates of any region in the state of Florida. The increased enforcement effort, called “Operation Sundown” by law enforcement officers is already under way, and officers are making a concentrated effort to stop motorcyclists and motorists engaging in unsafe driving behavior, especially those traveling at speed exceeding the posted limits. Experienced motorcyclists recommend that riders slow down, follow motorcycles and other vehicles from a safe distance and never tailgate, take extra time and care when changing lanes. Everyone, no matter what sort of vehicle they are operating, must obey the speed limit, safety experts and law enforcement officers agree, but motorcycle safety advocates remind riders that they are more exposed on a motorcycle than in most other types of vehicles. What would be a minor mistake in a larger automobile might quickly become a deadly error for a motorcyclist.
