Motorcyclists Ride Proud, Dress Loud in Florida
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You might just see a biker wearing bright chartreuse jeans riding down the highway.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Rider Training Program have launched a statewide “Motorcycle Conspicuity Campaign” to promote motorcycle visibility.
It's called "Ride Proud. Dress Loud" and it encourages motorcyclists to wear brightly colored upper-torso apparel and reflective gear instead of the typical black, grey and beige, which are difficult to see.
Too often automobile drivers who hit motorcyclists say they didn’t see them. This move is designed to make motorcyclist more visible or conspicuous so they are less likely to have their right-of-way violated.
Motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to serious injury from roadside crashes or collisions with other vehicles. Even minor motorcycle accidents can potentially have devastating consequences, as motorcycle drivers and passengers have little to protect them from injury. The devastation that can occur following a motorcycle accident ultimately not only kills and injures, but hurts families and costs the state of Florida real dollars in medical costs.
According to state figures, there were 550 motorcycle fatalities and nearly 9,000 injuries involving motorcycles in Florida in 2007. In 2006, there were 521 motorcyclists killed and nearly 8,000 injured.
Florida counties with the highest number of fatalities in 2006 include: Miami-Dado, Broward, Hillsborough, Volusia, Orange, Palm Beach, Brevard, Pinellas, Duval and Polk respectively.
Interestingly, the Florida Highway Patrol has no plans to follow its own advice.
FHP officers will continue to wear taupe colored uniforms and ride black and tan bikes - the very colors they suggest bikers avoid wearing while riding.
The state is trying what it can to cut down on motorcycle fatalities.
July 1, all Florida riders were required to pass the Basic Rider Course for licensure and endorsement. Penalties can result from non-compliance which include fines, mandatory attendance in the rider safety course or impounding of your motorcycle. #