Driving drunk is dumb, but riding drunk may be even dumber. Motorcycle riders are well aware that the dangers posed from impaired motorists on Florida streets and highways are not limited to car and truck drivers.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found 27 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents had a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 percent, the presumptive level of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in most states.

With NHTSA annually reporting thousands of DWI motorcycle crashes, Florida motorcycle accident attorneys Johnson & Gilbert note motorists should take heed of behaviors suggesting riders may be under the influence.

Clues a Motorcyclist May Be Impaired

Most motorcycle accidents occur when riders misjudge curves and often, says NHTSA, it’s because they’re inebriated and tend to drift out of their lane and lose control.

Inattentiveness and failure to slow down when traffic conditions require it are other DUI tip-offs. Riders don’t seem to pay attention to their surroundings and exhibit delayed reactions and reflexes.

Among other signs of impairment are:

  • Unexpected behavior such as dropping objects, urinating at roadside, disorderly conduct
  • Following too closely
  • Evasion
  • Difficulty dismounting
  • Inability to retain balance when stopped. Impaired riders often shift from one leg to the other trying keep their balance when stopped

Disregard for Life and Limb

Erratic riding is another sign motorcyclists are physically out of control. Johnson & Gilbert’s Ormond Beach motorcycle accident lawyers note other DWI indicators include:

  • Risky behavior, such as weaving in and out of traffic
  • Speeding
  • Driving without lights at night
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Ignoring caution signs
  • Going the wrong way on one-way streets
     

While NHTSA points out many of these riding behaviors may be observed in persons not impaired, they should be reported to law enforcement as soon as possible when they are witnessed. Reckless, careless, and impaired riding poses a threat to other riders and everyone else on the road.

The experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Johnson & Gilbert, P.A., have been helping clients resolve cases for more than 15 years. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident or other riding issues call them at 386.673.4412 or toll-free at 800.556.8890 for a free consultation.

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