Hurt in a Car Accident or
Motorcycle Crash? Lost a Loved
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Dade City Motorcycle Injury
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Dade City, Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Whittel & Melton, LLC
352-666-6666
Offices located in Pasco, Hernando and Hillsborough County
Don’t Face the Judge Alone!
“Those who ride motorcycles, either as their main mode of transportation or just for recreation, have to take extra precautions on our Florida roads. Specifically, in and around Dade City, there are many two-lane roads that can have devastating consequences when careless and lazy drivers of cars and trucks make poor choices. Facts are facts, when you’re on a bike, you have to watch for yourself and others, because no mater who’s at fault, you pay the price. ”
– Jason M. Melton, Esquire – Dade City, FL Motorcycle Injury Lawyer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that per 100,000 motorcycles, the rate for fatal crashes is 72.34. In comparison to automobiles, motorcycles have a higher casualty rate per unit of space traveled. In 2007, Florida was the leading state in the U.S. for motorcycle fatalities, reporting 530 motorcycle deaths. California ranked second with 495 deaths and Texas came in third with 375 fatalities. In 2009, motorcycle deaths across the seven counties in Central Florida, including Pasco, decreased by nearly 40 percent, from 142 in 2006 to 87 in 2009.
Enjoying a group ride with other bikers is one of the many delights of the two-wheeled lifestyle. The roadways can be full of dangers and riding with a group can create hidden hazards if lines of communication are not established and group techniques are not strategized. Always remember Florida highways are not areas to socialize, so if you want to ride with others promote safety and keep in the flow of traffic to avoid hazards.
If you are going to partake in group motorcycle rides in Dade City or anywhere throughout Pasco County, keep these points in mind for rambling down the roadways:
- Keep the group small. Four to five riders is ideal so that other motorists can maneuver around you if necessary. Also, this number makes it easier to stay together and not get separated so no one is speeding to catch up with the group. If you have a larger group, split it into several smaller groups.
- Ride in a staggered formation. This is the best way to keep close ranks and adequate cushions of space. The leader of the pack should stay on the left side of the lane, second in command should stay behind on the right side, third in the pack should take the left position two seconds behind and the fourth should remain three seconds behind.
- Keep the group together. If you’re the leader look for changes in road patterns ahead of time so you can notify the rest of the pack. If you are going to turn or make a lane change give your pack plenty of time to execute the shift.
- Inexperienced riders should not be in the lead or the rear. Place novice riders behind the lead so that they can be closely scrutinized and instructed.
- The rear should set the pace. Check the pace of riders behind you by watching them in your mirrors. If they slow down, let the group fall back so everyone stays together.
- Keep a safe distance from the rest of your back. Close ranks are good, but you don’t want to crowd each other. A close group has higher visibility, takes up less road space and is unlikely to split.
- When entering or leaving the highway or making turns, assume a single file formation.
Remember that a group ride is fun and not a competition for who can go the fastest. In 2008, 35 percent of all motorcycle deaths in the United States were due to speeding. If you are involved in an accident call 911 before doing anything else, then call Whittel & Melton at 352-666-6666.
We can assist you with your personal injury claim anywhere in Florida, any time of day. Call us today for motorcycle accident representation at 352-666-6666.
Dade City, Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Whittel & Melton, LLC
352-666-6666
Offices located in Pasco, Hernando and Hillsborough County
Don’t Face the Judge Alone!