Florida Motorcycle Handbook 2011

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Introduction

• Disclaimer
• Intro

WELCOME TO THE SUNSHINE STATE! FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES

Florida is a great place to ride motorcycles year round. Being properly licensed is required by law and is one of the first steps to becoming a safe rider. This motorcycle operator's manual contains valuable information for both novice and experienced motorcyclists on techniques to operate a motorcycle safely.

Courses for beginner and for more experienced riders are offered through DHSMV's Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP). Courses cover strategies and techniques on managing the riding environment and avoiding crashes. In addition, the courses offer on-cycle riding sessions in order to practice these street-riding strategies and crash avoidance skills. Learning these skills is important as Florida and other crash studies show that rider course graduates have far less injury and fatality rates as untrained riders, clearly depicting the need for rider education. The greatest factor contributing to motorcycle related crashes, injuries and fatalities is alcohol involvement. In 2003, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that motorcycle operators in fatal crashes had BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) levels higher than any other type of motor vehicle operator. The crash facts report also noted that almost half or 27 percent of the 5,154 motorcycle operators who died in single vehicle crashes in 2007 had BAC Levels of .08 or higher, and almost 1,392 of those killed in single-vehicle crashes on weekend nights had that same level or higher.

The first faculty impaired by alcohol is a person's judgment, causing them to think they are "ok" to operate a motorcycle safely. After just one drink, alcohol negatively affects a motorcyclist's ability to balance a motorcycle, and reduces coordination, vision, and all essential mental and physical skills needed for safe motorcycle operation. It is up to all motorcyclists to separate alcohol or other drug impairment from motorcycle operation. Moreover, it is up to all of us to step in and stop others from operating motorcycles while impaired. Removing alcohol as a crash factor will reduce motorcycle crashes and save lives. Part of the DHSMV mission is to make highways safe for all users and provide important and essential safety information. After all, having an enjoyable and safe ride should be the goal of all motorcyclists.

Sandra Lambert, Director
Division of Driver Licenses

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