Florida Motorcycle Handbook 2008

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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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STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS

People who have had too much to drink are unable to make a responsible decision. It is up to others to step in and keep them from taking too great a risk. No one wants to do this — it's uncomfortable, embarrassing and thankless. You are rarely thanked for your efforts at the time. But the alternatives are often worse.

There are several ways to keep friends from hurting themselves:

• Arrange a safe ride - Provide alternative ways for them to get home.
• Slow the pace of drinking - Involve them in other activities.
• Keep them there - Use any excuse to keep them from getting on their motorcycle. Serve them food and coffee to pass the time. Explain your concerns for their risks of getting arrested or hurt or hurting someone else.
• Get friends involved - Use peer pressure from a group of friends to intervene. It helps to enlist support from others when you decide to step in. The more people on your side, the easier it is to be firm and the harder it is for the rider to resist. While you may not be thanked at the time, you will never have to say, "If only I had..."

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