Motorcycle Safety Tips from Your Auto Accident Lawyer in Tampa

In the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida, motorcycle accident injuries and deaths have increased at an alarming rate. There are several reasons for this increase, one of the most obvious being the law in 2000 that made helmet use optional for adult motorcycle riders. A more recent reason for the spike in motorcycle-related injuries and deaths is higher gasoline prices. Thousands of Tampa Bay area residents have become new motorcycle owners in an effort to save money on gas, but unfortunately, many of these new riders are not experienced in motorcycle safety.

The subject of motorcycle safety is especially meaningful to auto accident lawyer Dale Appell, P.A. in Tampa. Dale's brother was a motorcycle accident victim at the age of 17. A car that ran a red light crushed his brother's leg, leaving his brother permanently disabled. The settlement Dale's brother received did not come close to compensating for his medical bills, rehabilitation, pain, suffering, and lifelong disability. This event was a motivator for Dale Appell to become a personal injury lawyer who is passionate about fighting for the rights of the injured.

Thankfully, the issue of motorcycle safety is getting more attention in the Tampa Bay area and the rest of the state. To promote motorcycle safety in Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and Tallahassee law enforcement launched “Ride Proud Dress Loud” in 2008. This new motorcycle safety campaign focuses on increasing the visibility of motorcycles and their riders. Research suggests that, when motorcyclists make themselves and their vehicles more visible with bright colors, lights, etc., they are less likely to be overlooked by other vehicles.

To enhance the visibility of motorcycles, the Ride Proud Dress Loud campaign asks motorcyclists to wear brightly colored or reflective clothing on their upper torsos. The campaign also suggests that motorcycles be enhanced with reflective strips, vibrantly colored decals, and high beams. Motorcyclists should be aware that colors like black, gray, beige, and other neutrals offer little or no visibility on the road. For more motorcycle safety tips and information about the Ride Proud Dress Loud campaign, go to www.rideprouddressloud.com.

To contact Dale Appell, an auto accident lawyer in Tampa serving all surrounding cities such as Clearwater, St Petersburg, and Sarasota, please call or e-mail our law firm today.