Ridin' on 2 Wheels

When you hop on a motorcycle, you may feel like you become one with the road, but you could also quickly become one with the pavement.

In fact, riding a motorcycle makes you 37 times more likely to die in a crash than someone riding in a car. In 2006, 4,810 motorcyclists were killed and 88,000 were injured in accidents.

Here are a few ways motorcyclists can decrease their odds of becoming road kill:

Make sure you are properly trained and certified before taking your bike out for a spin. Driving without a license and training greatly increases your chances of getting in a fatal accident.

Always wear a helmet! Nearly half of riders who die in motorcycle accidents were not wearing a helmet. You do have the option to ride without a helmet, but that decision may mean the difference between surviving an accident and becoming another sad statistic.

Don't try to ride a motorcycle that has more power than you can handle safely.

Don't weave in and out of traffic or drive in a car's blind spot. Drive like you would drive a car- just because you can fit a motorcycle into smaller spots between cars doesn't mean you should.

Don't drink or do drugs before riding a motorcycle. 2 wheels can be even more dangerous than 4 wheels, and you can still get a DUI on a motorcycle.

Since motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, other drivers often overlook them. Make sure to use your turn signals, turn on your headlights, and wear clothing made from retro -reflective material when riding at night so that everyone on the road has a better chance of seeing you.

For more information on staying safe on two wheels, check out the Florida Driver's Safety Program: http://motorcycles.hsmv.state.fl.us/.

Stats on this page came from the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Download these free posters...
Ride Proud, Dress Loud Poster
Get Licensed, Get Endorsed Poster