The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

Florida Biker Dies After Striking a Deer
April 14, 2010

Just when you think you’ve heard it all.

In Volusia County Florida a biker, Robert Gam from Sanford, FL struck a deer while riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and died at the scene. It was not determined if Gam was speeding but he was not wearing a helmet. It’s also unclear if Gamm would have survived the accident if he were wearing a helmet.

Despite his best effort to avoid the collision, Gamm struck the right side of the animal and lost control of his motorcycle. This motorcycle accident occurred around Noon.

When I first read this story, I thought that this is the epitome of a freak accident. It just sounds so far-fetched. But then, I thought about the story a bit more.

Volusia County is where two of the nation’s largest motorcycle events take place, Daytona Beach Bike Week, and Biketoberfest. Besides these events, Daytona Beach is a hot-bed of biker activity and bikers from all over the state of Florida flock there year round. Destination Daytona and the Main Street Strip are filled with bikers everyday and all year long.

I also started to think about all the rural areas where bikers ride. There are countless roads that are lined with wooded areas where animals of all types can run out without warning and cause a major accident.

There have been dozens of times I have either driven my car or rode my bike from South Florida to Orlando or Daytona and saw deer grazing on the side of the road. Sometimes, I see small herds and lately I have even seen a few wild pigs.

Collisions with animals is a major issue.

Gamm’s fatal motorcycle accident should give all bikers something new to think about. Not only do we have to watch out for cars, bad weather, road condition, pedestrians, and other bikers but we also have to be aware of animal crossings; even in the middle of the day.

Like Gamm, we may not be able to avoid hitting an animal but I’m convinced wearing a DOT motorcycle helmet can make a difference.

Hi, I’m Tom Kiley, and when my buddies and I go riding we always put safety first. Get a free copy of my motorcycle book for some valuable riding tips. And if you or loved one are ever hurt in the Massachusetts area, contact the Kiley Law Group for legal advice from a real motorcycle attorney.