Leeper explains motorcycle safety awareness tips

FHP Lieutenant Bill Leeper announced to Historic City News local reporters that the State of Florida is using Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month as a springboard to remind everyone on our roadways to give others a break and share the road.

Governor Rick Scott proclaimed May as “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month” in Florida to highlight the importance of public safety issues involving motorcycles and their interaction with other motor vehicles.

“Florida made significant strides as motorcycle crash fatalities dropped 35 percent in the past five years,” Leeper told Historic City News. “While the news is encouraging, the Florida Highway Patrol remains vigilant in our efforts to reduce injuries and fatalities on Florida’s roadways and to promote a safe driving environment.”

If you are a motorcycle rider, the following protective gear could save your life:

• Helmet (mandatory for riders age 20 or younger and for riders not covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle)
• Eye protection (a windscreen on a motorcycle does not qualify as eye protection)
• Foot pegs for passengers
• Proper footwear (protects feet and ankles by giving you a good grip on road surfaces)
• Gloves (keep hands comfortable and protected)
• Jacket and pants (provides protection against sunburn, windburn, dehydration and abrasions)

“Through partnerships with safety advocates and law enforcement agencies, we continue to put motorcycle safety on everyone’s radar — because we are all responsible for motorcycle safety,” Leeper said.

The Florida Highway Patrol says it is crucial that drivers share the road with motorcycles. Always keep an eye out for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections.

Motorcycle riders need to do their part, too, by making themselves visible to other motorists and by taking extra precaution since they do not have the added protection of being buckled up and inside a motor vehicle.

Florida’s beautiful scenery and warm climate attract motorcycle riders to the state throughout the year and with more than a million drivers with a motorcycle endorsement on their license in the Sunshine State, it is likely that everyone knows someone who rides.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by FHP