Over the weekend, a motorcycle wreck in Lee County took the life of a Fort Myers man. The crash happened before 1:30 a.m. on Holly Road in San Carlos Park. According to NBC Channel Two News, 47-year-old Gary Miller lost control off his motorcycle which resulted in fatal injuries. Investigators were on the scene trying to piece together what happened. NBC Channel Two News reports that investigators with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit found that Miller was travelling northbound on Holly Road and lost control as he was trying to negotiate a curve. The 2004 Harley Davidson left the roadway and vaulted into the air. It finally struck a parked car and sent debris into at least two other parked cars.

Just the Facts: Motorcycle Crashes

• 4,502 people died in motorcycle crashes in 2010.
• Between 2001 and 2008, over 34,000 riders were killed in crashes.
• During that same time period, an estimated 1,222,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal injuries related to motorcycle crashes.
• Since the year 2000, motorcycle crash deaths have increased by 55 percent.
• 20 to 24-year-olds have the highest death and injury rates for any age group.

Motorcycle Safety in Southwest Florida

Motorcyclists can increase their personal safety in a variety of ways. Wearing helmets, protective jackets, boots, gloves and eye protection are all great ways to stay safe while you ride. It’s important to note that even when riders take all possible safety precautions, a distracted or careless driver can still seriously injure or kill a rider during a crash.

Look Twice for Motorcycles

Motorists are encouraged to look twice for motorcycles. Southwest Florida roadways can only be safe for riders if motorists are paying attention to the road. Motorists should never drive distracted. Always give your full and undivided attention to the task of driving. Double check for bikes and other vehicles at intersections before pulling out into traffic, and give riders plenty of respect. Never tailgate a motorcycle, and always give them a full lane to travel in. The team at Weldon & Rothman, PL sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Gary Miller.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida accident victims contact an experienced local Florida personal injury attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their motor vehicle accident. If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Florida, then feel free to contact Attorney Weldon toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail atinfo@weldonrothman.com

Richard L. Weldon, II is an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who has obtained the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is the managing attorney of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.