OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – ABATE of Florida Forest Chapter is making its rounds across north central Florida to proclaim May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Member Kim Brown says they’ve also brought their efforts to Belleview and McIntosh.
“We went out on State Road 40 and held up signs watch out for motorcycles. We go to the high schools and do a free demonstration on motorcycle safety awareness,” said Brown.
Members TV20 spoke with say they too often see accidents involving motorcycles.
Membership trustee Bridgette Pace says bikers already drive defensively — but there are ways drivers can help.
“Move your head around. Weave and bob and look around those nine average blind spots and don’t create extra blind spots like the dry cleaning clothes. Instead of going to the right in your back seat, put it directly behind you to the left,” said Pace.
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website, in 2024 there were nearly 200 motorcycle crashes in Marion County — 13 of them fatal.
There were two fatal accidents in the county this past week.
Member Russell Pace says they usually hear the same excuse when these accidents happen.
“The number one thing people say when they hit a biker oh officer I didn’t see him. No, you weren’t looking for him or you didn’t know how to look for him,” said Pace.
For more information about ABATE and its safety awareness programs, click here.
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