TAMPA, Fla. – The 76th annual Daytona Bike Week kicks off Friday, and a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that Florida had a 30 percent increase in motorcycle deaths in 2015.
In 2015, 606 people died in motorcycle crashes and 9,045 were injured in motorcycle accidents.
“Time and time again, the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets has been proven through scientific study,” said Karen Morgan, public policy manager for AAA. “AAA strongly supports a universal helmet law in Florida.”
There were 26 motorcycle crash deaths in Orange County in 2015, leaving the county tied with Lee County in sixth place.
Volusia and Polk counties tied for 11th place with 21 motorcycle crash deaths reported.
Miami-Dade County ranked first with 67 deaths, and Hillsborough ranked second with 48 deaths.
The average cost when a motorcyclist was treated and admitted to a hospital as a result of a crash was $83,676.
AAA provided a list of safety tips for motorists and motorcyclists.