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.
FRED O. DICKINSON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HSMV 71905
(Revised 07-01-05)
Visit the FRTP for information on Sponsor contacts and locations by county at:
http://www.motorcycles.hsmv.state.fl.us, or the DHSMV website at
http://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.
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Summary of Contents for HSMV 71905
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