As a Jacksonville motorcycle accident attorney it was refreshing to hear the recent news on Jacksonville motorcycle accidents. On Thursday, the Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents state highway safety offices throughout the United States, released a report that found motorcycle fatalities dropped by 10 percent nationwide and 27 percent in Florida. It is the first time motorcycle deaths have dropped nationwide since 1997.
GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey said the economy played a role with fewer people riding, but also said state highway safety programs and law enforcement deserve some of the credit.
According to statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida saw a four percent decrease in motorcycle fatalities in 2008 and a 24 percent decrease in 2009. Before 2008 fatalities had gone up every year from 2004-07.