Central Florida is a prime destination for bikers all over the United States. Our beautiful weather, gorgeous lake and/or ocean views, and long stretches of flat roads draw motorcyclists in and make them fall in love with our state. Polk County is a popular target for many of these bikers as they don’t want to live (and ride) in the craziness of Orlando’s busy tourist-ridden roads, or Tampa’s daily commute traffic, but still want to be close to the amenities that make this area so special. Unfortunately, Polk County also comes with a lot of risk for motorcyclists, thanks to busy roads like Highway 27 (better known around here as Bloody 27…yikes!), Spirit Lake Road, and Cypress Gardens Boulevard just to name a few. Just this week, another hit and run accident occured on County Road 542. Near Thornhill Road, a 62 year-old from Auburndale was hit by a pickup truck as it turned, leaving the victim with serious head trauma and multiple broken bones. This is just one of many accidents like this that occur each year in Florida, and we think it’s time to change those statistics!
You know that fewer wheels under you can mean MORE risk while you’re on the road, but what can you do? Staying safe on your motorcycle can start with a few simple steps. Some of the best tips to protect yourself when riding on busy Polk County roads include:
- Allow plenty of distance. While it should be the job of the other drive to look before they turn or change lanes, many times they don’t. By allowing plenty of distance while traveling near other vehicles on the road, you give yourself time to respond and get out of the way if they make a sudden move.
- NEVER leave home without your safety gear. While Florida law doesn’t require you to wear a helmet when on a motorcycle, choosing not to could be the difference between life and death. A well-fitting, quality motorcycle helmet can prevent some of the most serious injuries if you are involved in a crash, and is an inexpensive and simple way to take matters of protecting yourself into your own hands. Other smart gear to include in your biking setup include closed shoes (to prevent burns from hot components of the bike) and sunglasses for better visibility in Florida’s bright sun.
- Be extra careful when out at night. Driving a night can be risky for anyone, but it’s especially dangerous for those on motorcycles. Be sure all lights on your bike are turned on as soon as the sun goes down, and wear reflective clothing if possible when you know you’ll be out after dark. Your goal is to make yourself as visible as possible to oncoming traffic and others on the road.
Brooks Law Group understands your love for the open road, and we believe bikers deserve to feel safe on our highways and local streets here in Polk County. We urge drivers to be more responsible when on the road, and watch carefully for bikers. When accidents do happen, motorcyclists trust our experienced team of attorneys to represent them and go to battle for the justice they deserve and the compensation they need. If you find yourself as the victim of injuries and/or damages sustained in a motorcycle accident, Look to Brooks. We’re here for you with a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your accident and discuss what a case might look like for you. You don’t pay unless we WIN. Call us at 1-800-LAW-3030 or contact us right here on our site!
