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A dangerous game is being played out on Florida's highways. It seems that every week someone is killed or seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. Fearless young men and women, with fast and dangerous motorcycles perform reckless stunts in the middle of traffic. These stunts, acted out on the public roadways, are not only deadly to the riders, but they endanger everybody. Florida lawmakers recently passed a law to more clearly define reckless riding and stiffen penalties for so called "stunt biking." Governor Crist is expected to sign the law as soon as it reaches his desk. Speeding and Stunts Speed racers, mostly young men on fast motorcycles, show off and are often seen video recording their antics in order to post them on the Web. They weave in and out of traffic and often pop wheelies at over 80 mph. They are not only killing themselves put are putting everybody else on the roads in danger of personal injury or death. The police cannot even catch them because of the high speed these motorcycles can quickly attain. Although wheelies are only one piece of the problem, the law requires motorcyclists to have both wheels on the ground at all times. Other dangerous behavior falls under the loose definitions of reckless driving statutes. The new law stiffens penalties for dangerous riding to $1000 for the first offense and up to $3000 for the third. Further penalties include suspending the motorcycle license. Many people say the regulations don't go far enough. According to police, 60 percent of the motorcycle riders engaging in this type of behavior are unlicensed so threatening to confiscate their license is no penalty at all. Approximately three-fourths of motorcycle accidents involve other vehicles, most frequently a passenger car. Because of the motorcycles small profile and excessive speed of stunt riders, drivers of other vehicles can't see and have no time to react to avoid collisions. Loss of control at high rates of speed is also common factors in daredevil motorcycle accidents. Accidents and Injuries Motorcycle accidents are frequently more devastating and traumatic because there is less protection for riders and passengers. The number of brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are especially high in motorcycle accidents. The type of people who perform dangerous tricks frown on wearing helmets. The drivers of automobiles in accidents involving motorcycles can be psychologically damaged even if they are not physically injured. Since the riders are unlicensed in many cases, they are also uninsured. Accident victims often cannot be adequately compensated because unlicensed riders cannot get insurance. Even with new laws in place, enforcing them will be difficult for police. The speed and agility of high-powered motorcycles leave police cruisers in the dust. Unfortunately, the only time most violators are caught and charged are the ones whose motorcycles are disabled or destroyed in an extreme motorcycle accident. In some cases, the videos they use to show off might be used against them. In no way does the behavior of these hooligans tarnish the reputation and skill of serious motorcycle enthusiasts. Their disregard for the safety of men, women, and children who share the road should be strongly condemned. Fortunately, Florida and other states are moving in the right direction to curtail these dangerous activities. If you live in the West Palm Beach area of Florida and have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Please visit the website of Ellis, Ged & Bodden, P.A. today to learn more.
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