In Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, and HIllsborough Counties there have been 52 motorcycle accidents resulting in 40 deaths just this year. That’s an alarming statistic and the number of motorcycle accidents appears to be growing at a rapid rate this year.
This in spite of the fact that the Florida Legislature passed mandatory motorcycle safety training prior to obtaining a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle only license in Florida. The training courses spans 15 hours of safety programs. However, the course can’t take into account other drivers’ inattention to motorcycles.
With fuel prices continuing to rise, especially after Hurrican Ike, there will undoubtedly be more motorcycles on the roads. This coupled with heavy traffic in the Bay area has resulted in these tragic statistics.