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Published on Friday, February 28, 2003
in the Florida Times Union
Accidents up, but more riding
As motorcycles roar into Florida for Bike Week in Daytona Beach, many bikers will be doffing their helmets in a state that no longer requires that riders wear protective headgear.
And while Florida has seen an increase in motorcycle fatalities since repealing the helmet law, saying one issue has an effect on the other is not simple.
"To say that's the only reason is difficult," said Highway Patrol Lt. Bill Leeper. "You'd have to take a look at each individual accident. Some of them might have died whether they had a helmet or not."
Since July 1, 2000, motorcyclists 21 and older with at least $10,000 in personal injury insurance have been able to ride helmet-free in Florida. Before that, all motorcyclists in the state were required to wear helmets.
What is clear is that the number of motorcycle riders and passengers killed statewide increased from 173 in 1998 and 165 in 1999 to 246 in 2000 and 276 in 2001, according to Highway Patrol records cited by Leeper. The number of injuries increased proportionally.
"We see an increase in motorcycle crashes, injuries and fatalities," he said.
But while those figures are increasing, so are the number of motorcycles on the road. In 2001 alone, the number of registered motorcycles increased 20 percent, he said.
Leeper said the agency will increase its focus on motorcycles as part of a statewide enforcement program during the upcoming weeks of spring break. The agency has a motorcycle squad that will be patrolling as part of that effort, he said.