Drinking and Motorcycles Don’t Mix

Data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2016 showed how 5,286 motorcyclists lost their lives in crashes that year. This statistic marked a 5.1% increase over the prior year. That same data shows that alcohol impairment was to blame for a significant number of these incidents.

Alcohol and Motorcycle Use Is a Deadly Combination

NHTSA statistics suggest that motorcyclists are more apt to operate their motorbikes while intoxicated than any other motor vehicle operator. Toxicologists determined that at least 37% of motorcycle riders who lost their lives in single-vehicle incidents in 2016 were alcohol-impaired at the time of their crash. That same data shows that at least 25% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired that same year. Toxicologists determined that only 2% of the tractor-trailer, 20% of light truck and 21% of passenger car operators were alcohol-impaired at the time of their deadly accidents.

The federal agency’s 2016 statistics show that at least 25% of the motorcyclists who lost their lives in deadly crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above most jurisdictions’ 0.08% legal limit.

That same data also shows that at least 31% of these deadly accidents occurred on the weekends. Those statistics also reflect how motorcyclists were three times more likely to lose their lives in an alcohol-involved fatal crash at night than they were during the day.

The lesson here is clear: Alcohol use and motorcycles don’t mix. Don’t take a chance on your safety — or anybody else’s — by driving your bike while impaired.

What if You Made a Mistake?

A criminal defense attorney can help you defend yourself against any charges you’re facing for driving under the influence (DUI) here in Florida so that you can get back to living your life as a more responsible and productive version of yourself this time around. One mistake shouldn’t be allowed to ruin your life.