S.m.a.r.t.

S

Say no to drinking and riding

M

Make yourself more visible to motorists

A

Always wear your helmet when you ride

R

Ride in control. Within legal & personal limits

T

Train regularly and get endorsed

FLORIDA MOTORCYCLE CRASHES

There is a common belief throughout the motorcycle community that motorcycle crashes are caused by drivers who are often distracted or are simply not able to see motorcycles. However, according to Florida crash data from 2017 to 2022, motorcyclists were at fault in 60% (28% + 32%) of motorcycle-involved crashes. In multi-vehicle crashes, car drivers are often at fault (40%).

Multi-Vehicle Crash

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Single-Vehicle Crash

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Multi-Vehicle Crash

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How can you ride S.M.A.R.T?

Motorcycle crashes often involve a combination of high-risk behaviors by motorcyclists. These behaviors include riding without a valid license, riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, riding without a helmet, and speeding. Unfortunately, these factors frequently occur in combination with one another.

There are inherent risks when riding a motorcycle, and motorcyclists accept these risks. Motorcyclists also have a duty to exercise good judgment and ride responsibly. Motorcyclists who manage risk well have the knowledge, skills, attitude, and habits of a S.M.A.R.T. rider.

Don’t Drink and Ride

Drinking influences your perception, thinking, and coordination. The consequences of drinking and riding are serious and real. Find out what you have to lose.

Make Yourself More Noticeable

Motorcyclists should make sure they can be seen in a crowd, because riders who are visible or “conspicuous” are less likely to have their right-of-way violated. There are easy ways to make yourself and your ride visible.

Wear Personal Protective Gear

Without the protection of a ton of steel, a rider’s head, arms, and legs are vulnerable and most prone to injury in a crash. Besides keeping you warm and dry, protective clothing and equipment can keep you safe.

S.M.A.R.T. courses

The goal of SMART Courses are to help students demonstrate safe motorcycle riding techniques by negotiating commonly found street riding situations in a controlled and skill oriented manner. SMART Courses are fun and very informative, and are offered in Collier County, Osceola, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Palm Beach County, and Tampa. They challenge you where they know they can and help you where they see it’s needed.

Watch for motorcycles

When motorcycles are involved in a crash with another vehicle, oftentimes the other vehicle’s driver says, ‘I never saw them.’ Motorist actions can impact the safety of motorcyclists greatly! A large portion of motorcycle crashes involve two key components – poor speed and spatial judgment of other drivers and poor motorcyclist conspicuity.