May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As summer approaches, more motorcyclists will take to the open roads. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) would like to remind everyone to share the road and drive responsibly.

Motorcycles only make up 3% of registered motor vehicles in Florida, yet account for nearly 17% of all vehicle-related fatalities in the state. Together, we can lower this number. Whether you’re riding on a motorcycle or driving in a car, there are things you can do to minimize the risk of a crash.

Motorcyclists:

• Obtain your motorcycle endorsement. To operate a motorcycle, you must have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.
• Become familiar with your motorcycle. Spend time learning how it responds to different conditions.
• Wear protective gear. Heavy denim or leather clothing, gloves, and proper boots or shoes that rise above the ankles will help protect riders in the event of a crash.
• Wear a helmet. In Florida, you do not have to wear a helmet if you are over the age of 21 and covered by an insurance policy of at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries obtained in a crash while operating a motorcycle.
  • FDOT, however, strongly recommends motorcyclists wear a helmet at all times.
  • If you choose to wear a helmet, it should meet the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• Check your bike. Before you ride, check your bike’s tire pressure, tread, hand and foot brakes, headlights, signal indicators, fluid levels, and any signs of oil or gas leaks.
• Ride safely. Once you’re on the road, obey traffic laws and ride defensively. Do not weave or pass between vehicles traveling in adjacent lanes.
• Stay sober and avoid distractions. Don’t drink and ride or text while riding.

Other motorists:

• Share the road. Motorcyclists have the same rights to the road as other motorists, so treat them with the same respect.
• Check your blind spots and look twice. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can easily be missed, so do your part and look twice before changing lanes.
• Leave room between you and any vehicle in front of you, especially motorcycles.
• Leave a whole lane. When passing a motorcycle, change lanes completely, just like you would for other vehicles.
• Remain alert. Avoid distracted driving. In addition to only using mobile devices in hands-free mode, avoid taking your eyes off the road to adjust your stereo.

FDOT encourages motorists to treat every month as if it’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Road safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone deserves to get home safely. Visit FDOT’s motorcycle safety page to learn more.

Test yourself with our Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month interactive word search feature at the link below.