Motorcycle Death Statistics in Florida

Motorcyclists face a higher risk of serious injury or death than any other group on the road, and in Florida, the dangers are even greater. In fact, the state has ranked number one yet again in motorcycle fatalities, with hundreds of lives lost. 

What’s really causing these crashes, and which areas are the most dangerous for riders? Here’s an in-depth look at motorcycle death statistics in Florida, the biggest risk factors, and what needs to change to make the roads safer. Whether you’re a local rider or just passing through, knowing the facts could help you stay safe. 

States With the Most Motorcycle Deaths

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,218 motorcyclists were killed in 2022, which accounts for 15% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. This is the highest number of motorcyclist deaths recorded since at least 1975. 

Sadly, certain states consistently report higher motorcycle fatality rates due to factors such as year-round riding weather, population density, and local traffic laws. The top six states for motorcycle deaths in 2022 were: 

• Florida: 668 motorcycle fatalities
• California: 634 motorcycle fatalities
• Texas: 564 motorcycle fatalities
• Arizona: 232 motorcycle fatalities
• Georgia: 221 motorcycle fatalities
• North Carolina: 220 motorcycle fatalities 

How Many Motorcycle Deaths Per Year in Florida?

Thousands of motorcycle crashes and hundreds of fatalities are reported each year in Florida. While overall fatality numbers have slightly decreased in recent years, Florida continues to lead the nation in motorcycle-related deaths. 

Motorcycle crash statistics for the past five years in Florida are as follows: 

What Causes Most Fatal Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities due to the limited protection riders have compared to passengers in enclosed vehicles. Several factors contribute to fatal motorcycle crashes in Florida, including: 

• Failure to yield right-of-way
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving
• Poor road conditions
• Low visibility, especially at night
• Lane splitting
• Inexperienced or unlicensed riders

A research team analyzed Florida motorcycle crash data from 2011 to 2019 to find the most frequent and dangerous accident types. The study found that three specific motorcycle crash types accounted for a significant portion of fatal crashes: 

• Left Turn Across Path is when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
• Following Too Closely can result in rear-end collisions, especially at high speeds.
• Run-Off-Road happens when a rider loses control and veers off the road, often while driving at high speeds, taking sharp turns, or running into roadway hazards.  

Where Are Motorcycle Accidents Happening in Florida? 

Motorcycle crashes happen across Florida, but certain areas see higher accident rates due to heavy traffic, tourism, and high concentrations of riders. Major metropolitan areas and counties with popular motorcycle events tend to have the most fatalities. 

One of the largest motorcycle events in the country, Daytona Bike Week, draws hundreds of thousands of riders to Florida each year. During the 2024 Daytona Bike Week, the city of Daytona Beach reported 92 motorcycle crashes and five fatalities. 

Additionally, per the latest Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles crash report, the following Florida counties reported the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in 2022: 

These counties are home to big tourist areas like Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and St. Petersburg, so they often see heavy traffic and congested roadways throughout the year. 

Motorcycle Accidents in Gainesville, Florida

While Gainesville may not see as many motorcycle crashes as some of the larger cities in Florida, motorcyclists in the area still face risks, especially near the University of Florida. 

So far in 2024, Gainesville has reported the following motorcycle crash data: 

• 144 total motorcycle and scooter crashes
• 23 serious injuries
• 2 fatalities (a decrease from 6 fatalities in 2023)

Zooming out to look at Alachua County as a whole, motorcycle accidents have fluctuated in recent years: 

With the University of Florida located right in Gainesville, the city sees high pedestrian activity and high traffic volumes, especially when there are events like football games happening on campus. Specific roads around the University are particularly dangerous for riders, including Archer Road, 13th Street, and University Avenue.  

Why Florida is the Most Dangerous State for Motorcyclists

Florida consistently ranks as the deadliest state for motorcyclists due to lax helmet laws and poor infrastructure. While Florida’s warm climate and scenic roads make it a popular place to ride, these gaps in safety have contributed to the high number of fatalities. 

Florida’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Florida is one of the few states where helmets are not required for most motorcyclists. Under Florida Statute 316.211, riders over the age of 21 can legally ride without a helmet as long as they have an insurance policy that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits. 

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Florida recorded 90 motorcycle deaths in 2022 involving riders who were not wearing helmets, the highest number in the country. Additionally, IIHS data estimate that if all states had required universal helmet use from 1976 to 2022, 22,058 motorcyclists’ lives could have been saved.  

Lack of Infrastructure Improvements

Unfortunately, many roads across the state of Florida lack the design and safety measures needed to protect motorcycle riders. Some of the infrastructure issues that contribute to motorcycle accidents in Florida include: 

• Potholes and uneven pavement
• Road debris
• Poor lighting
• Missing or unclear signage
• Intersections that are not left-turn friendly

Some cities in Florida, like Gainesville, are taking steps to address these issues. Gainesville’s Vision Zero Action Plan aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040 by improving road safety and closing infrastructure gaps. 

One of the initiatives in the strategy focuses on motorcycle and scooter riders. The Gainesville Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the University of Florida Police Department plan to offer monthly motorcycle safety classes to help riders improve their skills in real-world scenarios. Officers also plan to conduct targeted enforcement in high-crash areas to encourage safer riding and increase driver awareness.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident can leave you with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and a long road to recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured, the motorcycle accident lawyers at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. are here to help. We understand the challenges motorcyclists face and are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.  

Jack Fine

Mr. Fine was born in New York, New York, and was raised in the northeast, where he studied sociology at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He then graduated with honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1976. In law school, he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, was inducted into the Order of the Coif, and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. Mr. Fine was admitted into the Florida Bar in 1976, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in 1977, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida in 1991, and the United States Court of Appeals 11th Circuit in 1982.