By Alicia Rennoll
2019 was a sad year for motorcyclists in Washington County. A three-motorcycle collision occurred on the I-10 in May, which left one person dead and three seriously injured. As with nearly all accidents, this unfortunate event could have been prevented had proper safety procedures been undertaken. Accidents such as this present an opportunity to re-educate Washington County residents and travelers about motorcycle safety. The following are fundamentals that every motorcyclist should internalize.
Following Distance
All motorcycle riders should know not to follow too close to other motor vehicles or fellow motorcyclists. The May accident is an example of what can happen when following distances are insufficient. Three to four seconds is the recommended following time for motorcycles trailing other vehicles. This equals three or four car lengths. On the flip side, motorists should be aware of their own following distance when driving behind motorcycles. The Florida Driver Handbook suggests a four second buffer zone, which should be extended during inclement weather.
The handbook also advises motorists to be extra cautious of motorcycles for several reasons. Firstly, motorcycles can stop and turn quicker than larger vehicles, and they can hide in blind spots much easier than larger vehicles. Also, as anyone who has been passed by motorcycle knows, they are small enough to share lanes with other vehicles. Conversely, since they’re driving an unprotected vehicle, motorcyclists can lose control from wind gusts caused by closely passing vehicles. Another unique feature of motorcycles is that they can slow down without triggering the brake light. Many motorcycle accidents are caused by the simple fact that it can be harder to judge the distance of a motorcycle because it occupies a smaller portion of one’s field of vision. For motorcyclists, most of the danger derives from the instability of their vehicle – arguably the most unstable motor vehicle licensed for public roads. Motorists should keep this fact in mind while sharing the road with them.
Special Concerns For Adventure Motorcyclists
Adventure motorcycles are those that are designed primarily for off-road use. Understandably, these present special safety challenges for riders. Adventure motorcycles are larger than dirt bikes, and can also be larger than regular motorcycles, which means that they can be harder to steer, whether on the road or off. Of course, the terrain on which adventure motorcycles operate comes with its own challenges that only experienced riders can navigate. Luckily Florida is home to dozens of schools that offer adventure motorcycling courses for beginner riders. Adventure Rider Training, which has locations in Daytona Beach, Deltona and Sanford, is perhaps the most famous of these schools. There they teach about steering, off-road hazards, the physics of adventure motorcycles, the brands of bikes that are best for beginners, and safety gear. The last of these teachings can benefit all motorcyclists.
Helmet Requirement
Although head-to-toe body armor would be recommended by most safety experts, a lot of riders prefer a sleeker, cooler look over that of a Transformer. Some even go without helmets. Despite being resoundingly unsafe, this practice is not illegal. The state of Florida has a helmet exemption for motorcyclists who are over 21 and are insured for at least $10,000 worth of medical fees. For eligible riders, proof of insurance, like a card or declarations page from a recognized health insurance provider, is required upon inspection. But even if riders are allowed to be exempt, it is advisable that they decline the privilege. After all, helmets offer the most vital protection of all motorcycle equipment. A study from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that out of 100 people who had died on motorcycles, 37 would still be alive had they worn a helmet.
Fatal motorcycle accidents happen routinely, and Washington County is no exception. May’s gruesome crash can serve as a cautionary tale to motorcyclists and a reminder to all drivers of how to share the road with motorcycles so that everyone stays safe.