Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
March 1, 2024 kicks off the start to the 83rd Bike Week in Daytona Beach, so you can expect to hear engines revving as around 300,000 to 400,000 visitors make their way through Volusia and Flagler counties today.
Over the course of the week-long celebration, bikers enjoy springtime riding in Daytona Beach along historic Main Street to Midtown, the scenic A1A Highway, and the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop.
You can view the full list of Bike Week activities here.
Due to heavy traffic, there will be adjusted routes this week for Votran users, which can be viewed here.
Bike Week Crash Stats
With this many bikers getting together, it is no surprise that accidents and injuries can occur. Statistics from the NHTSA already shows that the Sunshine State has one of the highest rates of motorcycle accidents in the country. In 2023, Bike Week saw 56 motorcycle accidents, resulting in 14 deaths and numerous injuries. In 2022, 6 bikers were killed and around 90 were seriously injured over the course of the 10-day festivities. These figures should function as a clear reminder of how important it is to ride safely and pay attention to your surroundings.
How Can You Stay Safe During Bike Week?
To ensure a pleasant and risk-free experience this week, motorcyclists should follow these crucial tips.
- Wear safety gear: Always wear a helmet, durable boots, gloves, and other protective clothes to reduce the chance of injury in the event of an accident.
- Make yourself visible to other drivers: Use reflective materials on your bike and wear bright, noticeable apparel. Some research suggests that bright, solid colors on your helmet, jacket, and the front of your bike make you easier for other drivers to see and resulting in fewer accidents.
- Respect traffic regulations:keep an eye out for speed limits, use turn signals, and always obey traffic signs and signals.
- Keep a safe distance from other motorists: Give yourself adequate time to respond to any unexpected developments on the road by maintaining a safe distance from other bikes and cars.
- Remain vigilant: Steer clear of distractions when riding, such as talking on the phone or enjoying music. Keep an eye on your surroundings and be prepared for any dangers.
- Ride defensively: Be alert for any abrupt movements or lane changes, and always consider that other motorists may not notice you.
What Should You Do If You Are Involved in a Bike Week Crash?
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident during Bike Week, take the following steps:
- Get medical help: Your primary concern should be your health and wellbeing. Even if your wounds appear to be minor, get medical help right away. Certain injuries might not present symptoms right away and may even get worse with time.
- Document the scene as best you can: Take pictures of the accident scene, detail any visible injuries and car or bike damage. Get the contact and insurance information for all motorists involved. Obtain the contact details of any witnesses who may have seen the collision.
- Get Police to the scene: Notify the authorities in your area of the accident, and provide them with your full cooperation while they investigate.
- Preserve critical evidence that may help your case: Save all accident reports, medical records, and other pertinent paperwork pertaining to the incident. They will be essential in establishing your case.
- Consult an attorney: Speak with our Daytona Bike Week Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton who can help you navigate the legal system and safeguard your rights.
Contact Us Today
If you are a victim of Bike Week, we can help. Call us at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.