Free Motorcycle Safety Courses for Florida Riders 

Bill Allen | July 18, 2023 | Motorcycle Accident

Free Motorcycle Safety Courses for Florida Riders

With plenty of sunny days ahead, now is the perfect time to brush up on your motorcycle safety before hitting the road again. Whether you need an introduction to motorcycle safety, you are a returning rider, or your skills are advanced, there is a safety course that you can benefit from. 

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) focuses on public awareness and education regarding motorcycle safety. FDOT has partnered with county sheriff’s offices to offer free Safe Motorcycle and Rider Techniques (SMART) courses. 

SMART Motorcycle Safety Courses are offered throughout the State of Florida, in Citrus County, Collier County, Osceola, Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Tampa. The goal of these free courses is to teach students about safe riding techniques. 

You should bring the following to your SMART Course: 

  • Valid Driver’s License with motorcycle endorsement 
  • Motorcycle
  • Shoes that cover your ankles
  • Pants
  • Long-sleeved shirt or jacket
  • Eye protection
  • Helmet 
  • Gloves 
  • Water

To find a motorcycle safety course near you, click here.

Why Should You Take a Motorcycle Safety Course?

Florida’s beautiful weather and scenery make it a popular state for motorcycle riders and motorcycle rallies. Unfortunately, Florida also typically ranks in the top three states for motorcycle fatalities. So far, in 2023, there have been 4,938 motorcycle crashes and 290 motorcycle fatalities. 

If you and every rider in Florida took a motorcycle safety course, the number of crashes and fatalities could lessen. Taking a motorcycle safety course can help improve your skills, build your confidence, and decrease the likelihood that you get into an accident.  

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Florida Motorcyclists

Riding your motorcycle can be exhilarating and relaxing, but it is important to know basic rules that will keep your rides safe and enjoyable. 

The following are safety tips to help you avoid a motorcycle crash:

  • Wear a helmet – No matter how experienced you are, wearing a helmet could save your life. 
  • Wear eye protection – If you are operating a motorcycle, you are required to wear an eye-protective device. 
  • Wear protective clothing – Wear clothing that will protect you in the event of a crash or poor weather conditions. 
  • Do not tailgate – Make sure to leave enough room between your motorcycle and other cars around you. Be prepared for cars to stop suddenly or pull into your lane quickly. 
  • Ride at a safe speed – Be mindful of the traffic pattern and reduce your speed accordingly. Reducing your speed increases your chances of avoiding a collision. 
  • Yield the right of way – Beating a car into a spot is not worth you getting into an accident. 
  • Stop at all red lights and stop signs – Even if you think no one is around or you can get through the intersection in time, always stop. Intersection accidents can be particularly dangerous.
  • Avoid drivers’ blind spots – It can be difficult for drivers to spot you when you are changing lanes. 
  • Do not ride next to cars – Ride ahead or behind cars in the next lane so that drivers are more likely to see you. 
  • Ride defensively – Slow down and give yourself space to escape as you enter intersections. 
  • Ride sober – Do not operate a motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
  • Take a motorcycle safety course – Improve or develop your skills by taking a safety course and participating in training regularly. 

The smaller size of motorcycles can make it difficult for drivers to spot you, but following these safety tips can help you avoid a collision. Taking a motorcycle safety course and following safety tips can help you avoid accidents. However, if you are in a motorcycle accident, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. 

Contact Our Ocala Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Ocala motorcycle accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652