FDOT recognizes May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
TALLAHASSEE The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recognizes May 2013 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Motorcycles can be easily hidden in traffic, so it critical for motorists to watch for motorcycles to ensure everyone’s safety.
Here are several safety tips to help motorcyclists stay safe:
Don’t buy more bike than you can handle
Hone your skills by taking a training class
Wear protective gear including helmet (Riders without a helmet are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash and three times more likely to suffer brain injuries than those with helmets, according to government studies)
Drive defensively (in multi vehicle crashes, car drivers were at fault 60 percent of the time so be extra alert)
Brighten up (wear bright colors to make you more visible)
Avoid bad weather
Watch for road hazards
Before each ride make sure your bike and is working properly(lights, horn, tires, etc)
Ride responsibly, “Don’t Drink and Ride”.
FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad said, “The department remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure all motorists enjoy safe travels on our roadways. This safety campaign is an important tool to raise awareness of this critical issue.”
“Florida’s mild climate and beautiful scenery make it very attractive for Florida residents to own a motorcycle. Those same characteristics make it a popular destination for many motorcycle-riders who visit our state each year,” said Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Julie Jones. “Car and truck drivers should expect to share the road with motorcycles each day. Awareness of the limitations of other vehicles on the road and driving accordingly will make the traveling experience in Florida more pleasant and safer for all.”