by Christopher J. Smith
As “season” comes to an end here in Southwest Florida, winter residents are heading north for the summer. That means less traffic and an easier time traveling the highways and byways for many. However, it doesn’t mean drivers can pay less attention when they are on the roads. With fewer cars on the streets, motorcycles tend to become more prevalent this month.
The mix of less traffic and warm, enjoyable weather offers a good balance for motorcyclists to hit the road. The month of May is the beginning of peak motorcycle season across most of the United States. It’s also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Approximately 600 Florida bikers died in motorcycle crashes in 2025. Even though motorcycles only make up about 3% of registered vehicles in Florida, account for less than 1% of vehicle miles traveled and are involved in just 2% of crashes, motorcycle riders represent 17% of traffic fatalities in the state.
Watch out for motorcycles
While everyone on the road shares responsibility for safety, drivers of cars, trucks, vans and SUVs need to take particular care to avoid causing motorcycle crashes.
Drivers can help save lives by following these tips:
• Take an extra moment to look for motorcycles – Because of their small size, motorcycles can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots. Check, then check again, before changing lanes or making a turn.
• Predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks – A motorcycle may appear farther away than it is because of its small size, and it can be difficult to judge its speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into or out of a driveway, assume the motorcycle is closer than it appears.
• Keep a safe distance – Motorcyclists often slow by rolling off the throttle or downshifting, which may not activate the brake light. Allow more following distance, about three to four seconds.
• Understand lane positioning – Motorcyclists often adjust their position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles and wind. They do this for safety, not to show off or to share the lane.
• See the person – When a motorcycle is in motion, see more than the bike. See the person under the helmet, who could be your friend, neighbor or relative.
Bikers beware
Motorcyclists need to take even more care than other drivers when out on the road. Limited protection, reduced visibility in blind spots and vulnerability to road hazards like potholes make defensive riding crucial.
Motorcyclists can help make the road safer by following these tips:
• Be visible at all times – Many drivers struggle to notice motorcycles, so wear bright or reflective clothing and choose a light-colored helmet. Keep your headlight on day and night, avoid lingering in blind spots and tap your brake light when slowing or stopping to attract attention.
• Ride as if you are invisible – Assume other motorists cannot see you and that any vehicle could move into your path. This mindset keeps you alert, encourages constant scanning and helps you anticipate mistakes.
• Gear up for every ride – Wear protective equipment from head to toe. A full-face helmet provides the highest level of protection, while riding-specific jackets, pants, gloves and boots use abrasion-resistant materials and protect joints and impact-prone areas.
• Use smart street strategies – Continuously scan the road for traffic changes, hazards and surface conditions. Apply the Search, Evaluate and Execute method to identify risks early and respond smoothly before emergencies develop.
• Inspect your motorcycle before riding to confirm safety and reliability. Check your tire PSI often; you only have two wheels to keep you safe!
Whether behind the wheel or behind the handlebars, safety demands constant awareness. Slower roads do not mean lower risk. By watching more carefully, respecting motorcycles and riding defensively, drivers and bikers alike can reduce crashes and help keep Florida’s roads safer for everyone this motorcycle season.
To learn more about motorcycle safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
About the Author
Christopher J. Smith is co-managing partner at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. His areas of expertise include personal injury, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, trucking accidents, slip/trip and falls. He is board-certified in civil trial law. The firm has been serving Southwest Florida for over 60 years, securing multimillion-dollar recoveries in motorcycle accident cases for clients throughout the region.
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