A Fort Myers motorcycle crash led to a DUI arrest and left a 32-year-old man in critical condition early Sunday morning.
Michael Agosto, 29, of Delray Beach, crashed his motorcycle into the back of a vehicle stopped at Cleveland Avenue and Airport Road about 3:30 a.m., according to Florida Highway Patrol Troopers. Agosto was thrown from his motorcycle along with his passenger, Carlos Montalban, 32, who was not wearing a helmet and was critically injured.
Agosto, who was wearing a helmet and suffered minor injuries, was charged with DUI, DUI property damage/serious bodily injury, driving while license suspended and careless driving.
Among drivers and motorcycle riders, drinking and driving has always been a concern. In 2011, 4,323 motorcycle riders were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Thirty percent of these riders were alcohol impaired (blood-alcohol content of 0.08 or higher), according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In Florida, 34 percent of motorcyclists were alcohol impaired with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 or higher.
Motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were more than three times more likely to have BAC levels of 0.08 g/dL or higher than those killed during the day. Twenty-two percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2011 were riding their vehicles without a valid motorcycle license.
Read more statistics about motorcycle crashes. For safety tips, download a motorcycle safety tips booklet.
At Bernardo Injury Law, we have dealt with many cases involving motorcycle crashes. We know how devastating this can be to a family. If you or a family member have been involved in a motorcycle crash and need some advice, contact us at (239) 332-3000 or toll free at 888-428-8943, email us at gethelp@injuryinfo.org or visit our website at injuryinfo.org.