FHP: Bike Week 2006 was deadliest in 65 years

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (AP)—Bike Week 2006 is the deadliest since the event began 65 years ago, with 18 motorcyclists dying in eight days. Florida Highway Patrol Spokeswoman Trooper Kim Miller says this year's deaths surpass the 15 deaths recorded in 2000, previously the most deadly Bike Week on record. Authorities attribute the spike in deaths to the sunny weather, which caused a rise in Bike Week attendance. FHP says the number of alcohol related deaths dipped this year, and helmet use was up. On Saturday, authorities say Richard Highsmith of Orlando died in Seminole County after returning home from Bike Week. Brian Rooke of West Palm Beach died after hitting a guardrail. And another biker, whose identity has not been released, died in Ormond Beach. On Friday, Walter Fliss of St. Cloud had just bought his motorcycle when he crashed into a construction site and died. Jason Perron of Apopka, David Hudson of Lake Wales and another unidentified biker also died that night. Bike Week, which brings thousands of bikers from around the country to Daytona, ended Sunday. Eight motorcycle-related deaths were reported during last year's event. http://www.tampabays10.com/thismorning/thismorning_article.aspx?storyid=27210

http://www.tampabays10.com/thismorning/thismorning_article.aspx?storyid=27210 :disapp:

I would say its the number of squids going to the event that is causing this!

I would say its the number of squids going to the event that is causing this! all the more reason to stay away for me:disapp:

http://www.tampabays10.com/thismorning/thismorning_article.aspx?storyid=27210 saw one sat day on the on ramp to 95south leaving daytona it was bad they done had the sheet over the body by the time we went by

all the more reason to stay away for me:disapp: Just ride in a safe manner that's all.

I would say its the number of squids going to the event that is causing this! :iagree: and the older experienced riders avoiding it because it has gotten so big and full of squids.:crazy:

:iagree: and the older experienced riders avoiding it because it has gotten so big and full of squids.:crazy: I disagree I was there and alot of the people acting like squids was the older guys been riding for years. The theroy was this is bike week if your on a bike you got the right away. Also you go to the front of the line at a redlight instead of being behind the cars and suvs. I was in my yukon and finally lost it biker or no biker I had enough. so I became a real tail hole I went with I am bigger.

If people would act like they got some sense them it you be a great event. But I will deal with it again next year.Will be pulling the bike down.

We use to go all the time. Now Biketober fest is the only one I plan on and spring bike week at Daytona is If its a convent thing. I do find my self at Myrtle Beach bike week regularly but its not much of a trip and is always easy to find lodging with friends that go every year and always have a house reserved for the week.

From what I read, it was mostly the car that was at fault. I have never been to Daytona bike week and have no desire to. -a|ex

If people would act like they got some sense them it you be a great event. But I will deal with it again next year.Will be pulling the bike down. That's the problem when ever people gather. Just like in New Orleans... people go there and start doing all kinds of stupid things thinking its ok there cause its N.O.! But they still have laws... :wtf:

thats just sad...:cry: it could all be avoided if EVERYONE, cars and bikes alike, were a little bit better on the roads and everyone paid more attention to their surroundings...human error everytime, no matter who was ultimately at fault b/c regardless of who's fault it was, you still die, is that what the epitaph will read, "it was their fault"?...:nonod:

One of the guys that died had just bought his bike that day & was riding it home, when he lost control...so sad!:nonod:

First off :welcome: in case I missed ya... Second... :yikes: that sucks... I have seen newbies crash the bike in front of the dealer just leaving from taking delivery...but not die on the way home!! :nonod:

hellow im new here but let me tell you this i work on the highway in and around daytona beach fl. my job is to respond to acidents and make shoure that the road is clear fore all whoe cum here. and the truth is most of the people that were killed or ****ed up this year were just squids or people that have onley ridden fore a short while .case in point the thursday during bw my partner and i responded to a acident at the 260 over pass thats where I95 passes over I 92 on our way there we saw a acident on 92 where the rider just bit it west of the 95 over pass.we love having you all here but some people dont belong on bikes.2 maney kids have mommy and daddy get them bikes that they dont know how to ride and the end up r.i.p. latter:dupe:

:welcome: to TWF sh3smith :iagree: most accident are from inexperienced riders and those that never should be on two wheels.