"RIDE SAFE. RIDE SOBER"
The State of Florida, Department of Transportation, through this safety campaign, produced a brochure with the above title, also emphasizing: "NONE FOR THE ROAD" and "NEVER DRINK AND RIDE".
Also, the state provided "Motorcycle Ride Safety Tips" noting:
Be visible:
- Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time.
- Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.
- Use reflective strips or decals on your helmet and on your motorcycle.
- Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have and don't ride in them.
- Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.
- Wear bright color and reflective clothing.
- Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of the lane where you are most visible.
Use Personal Protective Gear:
- Wear a DOT approved helmet and eye protection.
- Wear abrasion resistant, protective clothing.
- Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and full-fingered gloves.
- Remember – the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear.
Apply Effective Mental Strategies:
- Consistently search the road for changing conditions.
- Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorist's actions.
- Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
- Watch for turning vehicles.
- Signal your next move in advance.
- Avoid weaving between lanes.
- Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Know and follow the rules of the road. Do not exceed the speed limit.
Know Your Bike And How To Use It:
- Get formal training and take refresher courses.
- Practice. Develop your riding techniques before going into heaving traffic. Know how to handle your bike in conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and in work zones and in other uneven surfaces.
"LOOK TWICE. SAVE A LIFE."
The State of Florida, Department of Transportation, through this safety campaign, produced a brochure with the above title, advising the public to "Share the Road with Motorcycles", with the following messages:
Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road and some drivers don't notice motorcycles at all.
When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or near a driveway, assume a motorcycle i5 closer than it appears.
Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is.
Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you are changing lanes or turning a5 intersections.
It is difficult to judge a motorcycle's speed. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car's blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car.
Allow more following distance, say three or four seconds, to give you extra time to respond.
Motorcycles are able to use their engines and gearing to slow down without using brakes. Therefore, don't depend upon a brake light to alert you to a slowing motorcycle.
Motorcycle turn signals usually are not self-canceling,
So some riders, (especially beginners) may forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change.
Understand that motorcyclists may adjust lane position for their own safety, not to be reckles5 or show off.
Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily or to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, or other conditions.
Don't expect a motorcyclist to always get out of your way.
Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions. But they cant always react the way a passenger car can.
Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars,
but slipper pavement makes stopping quickly both dangerous and difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it cant always stop "on a dime".
Checkout ABATE of Florida, Inc.'s Safety Video below. After entering the site, see the left side menu bar and click on "Motorcycle Safety" on the link below:
ABATE of Florida, Inc., a non-profit organization of motorcyclists of all walks of life, promoting motorcycle safety awareness, continuing rider education and political awareness. The website has a section dedicated to "Cycle Safety", providing a Safety Video and other safety information to both riders and the public. The "Motorcycle Safety" page highlights a public service announcement video asking drivers: How Close Does A Motorcycle Have To Be Before You See It? The video follows a motorist reaching a stop sign, looking to this left and then his right, and pulling out in front of a motorcycle. The video is hard to watch and reminds drivers to: THINK, LOOK TWICE FOR MOTORCYCLISTS!!! Also under "Cycle Safety", the site has a page illustrating Safety Hand Signals, courtesy of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.