Motorcycle Fatalities Increase Dramatically For 2015

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Volusia County, FL-Preliminary numbers from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles are not good for motorcyclists. The number of fatalities increased from 449 in 2014 to 554 in 2015.

AAA spokesperson Josh Carrasco said that's an increase of more than 23 %. He said a study from the University of South Florida found that almost 50 % of riders don't wear a helmet, which is a major cause of concern. Carrasco also said that of the fatalities, it's about 50-50 for those that wear helmets and those that don't.

Motorcyclists accounted for one-fifth (19%) of motor vehicle fatalities in the state while only accounting for about three percent of registered vehicles. Carrasco said that a way for motorcyclists to cut down on fatalities is to wear all the proper safety gear.

Sometimes, motorists are at fault in a motorcycle fatality and Carrasco said that motorists should be very aware of motorcycles on the roads.

May is motorcycle safety month.  AAA offers safety tips for motorcyclists and motorists.  Find them by clicking here.

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