Motorcycle accidents up, auto accidents down in 2007

Last year, Florida roads were safer for automobiles than the previous two years, with less fatalities, crashes and injuries reported. However, motorcycle crashes and injuries increased along with alcohol related fatalities, according to the Florida Crash Statistics Report.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the declines in fatalities, injuries and accidents in automobiles are due to their efforts to educate the public on responsible driving habits.

"We think it has a lot to do with our concentrated educational campaigns," said Captain Mark Welch, public information officer for the Florida Highway Patrol. Current campaigns include "Click-It-or-Ticket," "Stop Street Racing...Speed Kills" and "Enjoy the Ride Safe and Sober!"

"Our programs are raising awareness of the impact to drive safely," said Welch.

However, not everyone is entirely sure the decline in automobile accidents and increase in motorcycle accidents can be contributed to the FHP's safety campaigns.

"I suspect some of it has to do with the economy, less people are driving to the area." said Sergeant Joe Preston of the Walton County Sheriff's Office. "But I can definitely say we have had an impact on reducing crashes through aggressive enforcement."

Still, those in the insurance industry point to a reduction in driving, due to high gas prices, and increased demand for motorcycles and scooters as the main reason for the declines.

"On a region wide basis, which includes Florida, we've had a substantial increase in motorcycle policies," said Bill Grodman, insurance agent for Allstate. "More people are choosing motorcycles over SUVs because they get better gas mileage, about 45 mpg versus 17 mpg."

Progressive Insurance, one of the largest insurers of motorcycles in the state, has seen new motorcycle applications up 5 percent over last year, according to Leah Knapp, spokesperson for Progressive Insurance.

"We have absolutely seen an increase in people insuring motorcycles," said Knapp. "Including starter bikes, which tend to be used and older, new scooters and even golf carts."

According to the Insurance Information Institute, sales of all types of two-wheelers reached about 1.2 million in 2006, a level not seen in 30 years. In conjunction, motorcycle fatalities also reached their highest level in 2006, since 1981, with 4,810 people dying in motorcycle accidents, up 5 percent from 2005, and marking nine consecutive years of increased motorcycle deaths.

"I think people are opting for less conventional modes of transportation," said Leticia Messam, traffic safety programs and AAA school safety patrol. "People are walking, biking and using public transportation more because of the high gas prices."