With the 25th anniversary of Biketoberfest kicking off in Daytona Beach Thursday, local law enforcement agencies have increased patrols and are staying vigilant.
- More than 100,000 expected over 4 days
- Florida led nation in motorcycle fatalities in 2016
- Still much disagreement over requiring riders to wear helmets
Organizers expect more then 100,000 people to come out for the annual four-day motorcycle rally.
The event brings up an almost ever-present topic in Florida: helmet rules and motorcycle safety. In 2016, Florida once again led the nation in motorcycle fatalities with 575, according to AAA. State law says if you're over 21, you can operate a motorcycle without a helmet as long as you are covered by an insurance policy for at least $10,000 in medical benefits.
"I feel like the helmets are important," said rider Debra Norris. "Some people think it's not, but I do for protection, because a lot of people do die because of head injuries."
Norris told us she always wears a helmet, but her husband doesn't. Other riders at Biketoberfest think wearing a helmet should be a choice.
"We abide by the law when it's required, but we feel like we should have a choice," said motorcyclist Debra Paige. "And so we chose not to wear a helmet and we realize that that's dangerous and something bad might happen, but that's the choice we make."