Florida Motorcycle Handbook 2009

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3. Being in Shape to Ride

• 3.1. Why Information is Important
• 3.2. Alcohol and Other Drugs in Motorcycle Operation
• 3.3. Alcohol in the Body
• 3.4. Alcohol and the Law
• 3.5. Minimize the Risks
• 3.6. Step in to Protect Friends
• 3.7. Fatigue

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MINIMIZE THE RISKS

Your ability to judge how well you are riding is affected first. Although you may be performing more and more poorly, you think you are doing better and better. The result is that you ride confidently, taking greater and greater risks. Minimize the risks of drinking and riding by taking steps before you drink. Control your drinking or control your riding.

DON'T DRINK

• Don't Drink - Once you start, your resistance becomes weaker.
  Setting a limit or pacing yourself are poor alternatives at best. Your ability to exercise good judgment is one of the first things affected by alcohol. Even if you have tried to drink in moderation, you may not realize to what extent your skills have suffered from alcohol's fatiguing effects.
• Or Don't Ride - If you haven't controlled your drinking, you must control your riding.
• Leave the motorcycle - so you won't be tempted to ride. Arrange another way to get home.
• Wait - If you exceed your limit, wait until your system eliminates the alcohol and its fatiguing effects.

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