Florida Motorcycle Handbook 2008Order your own copy of this handbook IntroductionListen to this chapter: Listen 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. It also contains information to assist age-eligible customers prepare for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ (DHSMV) knowledge examination for motorcycle licensing or Temporary Instruction Permits.
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 rider course graduates having 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 44 percent of the 1,501 motorcycle operators who died in single vehicle crashes in 2003 had BAC Levels of .08 or higher, and almost two-thirds or 65 percent of those killed in single-vehicle crashes on weekend nights and 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 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.
Electra Theodorides-Bustle
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HSMV 71905
(Revised 11/01/07)
Visit the FRTP for information on Sponsor contacts and locations by county at:
www.motorcycles.hsmv.state.fl.us, or the DHSMV website at
/www.hsmv.state.fl.us/
Or call 850-488-3286 for an automated listing also by county.
Note: The inclusion of advertising does not constitute an endorsement or the accuracy of the ad by the State of Florida or the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles of the products or services advertised. Next Section
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