Jan 28 2009
Motorcycle Deaths on Rise In Florida
While automobile deaths fell dramatically last year in the Sunshine State, motorcycle deaths have more than doubled in the last eight years. Without a doubt the spreaders of FUD are going to start claiming it is due to the state relaxing the helmet laws. You know, blame the bikers.
Sgt. Steve Gaskins of the Florida Highway Patrol said Florida’s lax helmet law — riders over the age of 21 with more than $10,000 in medical insurance don’t need to wear one — and an increase in demand for gas-efficient transportation have contributed to the trend. (Source: St. Petersburg Times)
The article says that the failing economy is forcing more people to seek alternative means of transportation. As gas prices have risen motorcycles and scooters have become more appealing to many people. But what this brings into the motorcycle community is more and more people with very limited experience on two wheels. That compounded by the boom in DWS (Driving While Stupid), cell phone in one hand, latte in the other while the cager watches his Tom-Tom, tunes his satellite radio and reads the paper just might have something to do with it too.
