This is the third consecutive year that Florida has ranked number one in the U.S. for motorcycle deaths. So, what is it that's in the Floridian air that's causing such problems for our two-wheeled brethren? Or, rather, what is it in the state constitution?
Yes, if you don't already know or haven't guessed it, Florida doesn't require motorcyclists to wear helmets. Specifically, motorcyclists who are over the age of 21 and are covered by an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits can opt not to wear a lid. As I've said so many times before, do what you want within the parameters of the law, but please know what you're opening yourself up to if you choose to ride without a helmet.
Thankfully, the number of motorcycle crashes resulting in fatalities in Florida has been going down year on year. But it's still the leading state in motorcyclist fatalities. In 2022, there were 631 fatalities, by 2023, this number fell to 621 fatalities, and in 2024 there were 578 fatalities as a result of 9,420 motorcycle crashes.
Unfortunately, fatalities are majorly trending upward for 2025 in some counties. Since the start of the year through to Feb. 16, Jacksonville is averaging one motorcycle death every 5.5 days, which would result in 66 deaths by the year's end at the current. By Feb. 16 last year, Jacksonville had recorded just two fatalities and ended 2024 with 36 deaths as a result of motorcycle crashes.
But it's not just helmet laws that are working against motorcyclists in Florida, according to a study compiled from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports by Marietta, Georgia-based personal attorney firm Jones & Swanson.
"Florida remains the most dangerous state for motorcyclists, not due to chance, but because of policy failures... Weak helmet laws, lenient DUI enforcement, and long-ignored crash hotspots are needlessly endangering riders. Without urgent reforms, these deaths will continue to climb.", said the firm in an email.
Daytona Bike Week will soon be upon us, and with it, the certainty of a high rate of motorcycle crashes and deaths in Florida throughout the 10-day festival. So, if you're thinking of heading down to the Sunshine State for Daytona Bike Week, please consider wearing your helmet, and feel free to say "hi" if you see me.
