MOTORCYCLE SAFETY & AWARENESS COURSE
Respect the Ride is an educational program created by Young Dreams Community Outreach (YDCO) that teaches potential drivers about motorcycle safety and awareness.
is Dedicated to Luis Rivera
On February 7th, 2021, Luis Rivera was fatally struck while riding his motorcycle. A vehicle that did not yield properly failed to see him approaching while crossing the intersection.
Since the incident, we have realized the importance of advocating ways to prevent tragedies involving vehicle motorcycle accidents. We analyzed how young drivers can get a learner's permit and then a license without being educated on how they can safely share the road with a motorcyclist.
Respect the Ride is an educational program created by Young Dreams Community Outreach (YDCO) that teaches potential drivers about motorcycle safety and awareness. This program will be taught in high school driver's education classes. The course will focus on teaching young drivers about motorcycle safety and awareness tips they can use daily, how to share our busy streets in South Florida, and most importantly, how to Respect the Ride.
Education
- Introduction to motorcycles
- Motorcycle safety gear
- Rules of the road
- Vulnerabilities of motorcyclists
Awareness Campaign
- Community engagement
- Collaborate with schools
- Take the Quiz
- Are you safely sharing the road?
SAVING LIVES
- Take the pledge
- See Us. Save Us.
- Look Twice Save A Life
- Respect the Ride
HEAR US. SEE US. SPREAD THE WORD.
In South Florida, more than 300,000 motorcyclists share the road daily. Always look out for a single headlight on the road – it can be a motorcyclist. Being alert to their presence can help you be a safer driver, avoid a tragedy, and save lives. When looking out for motorcyclists, see beyond the motorcycle. The rider can be your friend, family, co-worker, or neighbor. Below are some tips that will help you become aware of motorcyclists, encourage drivers to drive safely, and respect the ride.
LISTENING FOR MOTORCYCLES
Hearing a motorcyclist is difficult on the street. Be alert to their presence by keeping your attention on the road. It’s hard to listen to a motorcycle on a noisy and busy street.
AVOID DISTRACTIONS
Keep distractions out of reach to avoid looking at them. Checking your phone, changing the radio, eating, drinking, or checking your GPS can have deadly consequences.
KEEP WATCHFUL EYES
Always assume motorcyclists are closer than they appear. A motorcyclist’s speed and distance can make it challenging for drivers to see them. Look out for a single headlight on the road that may indicate it’s most likely a motorcyclist.
MOTORCYCLISTS CAN DISAPPEAR IN BLIND SPOTS
Always look twice when changing lanes and merging, check your mirrors, and always use your turning signals.
MOTORCYCLIST HAND SIGNALS
Many motorcyclists use hand signals as indicators of their intentions on the road. A right turn is signaled by a left arm raised, a left turn by a left arm straight out, and a stop or slow down by a left arm downward.
KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE
When motorcyclists slow down by downshifting, the brake lights do not activate. Give yourself extra space when driving behind a motorcycle, especially on a busy road. Motorcycles cannot slow down as fast as a vehicle.
STAY ALERT IN ALL INTERSECTIONS
When turning left – it is crucial to look twice for motorcyclists before turning left. It is safest to let the motorcycle pass to avoid turning in front of the rider. Nearly one in three motorcycle fatalities happen at a roadway intersection.
MOTORCYCLE VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
According to research data, motorcycle accidents mostly happen on busy streets and communities, not highways. On many occasions, due to the shape and size of motorcycles, they are often overlooked.
SAFELY SHARING THE ROAD?
Find out if you are safely sharing the road by taking the quiz today. Click the button below to take the quiz and get your Respect the Ride certificate today!
YEARS OF SPREADING MOTORCYCLE
SAFETY & AWARENESS
The Respect the Ride Toolkit was created for driver education providers and instructors in partnership with the Florida Highway Patrol.
Join Our Motorcycle Safety Movement!
I pledge to watch out for motorcyclists when driving and commit to:
1. Staying focused on the road, avoiding distractions.
2. Checking blind spots before changing lanes.
3. Maintaining a safe following distance.
4. Using turn signals to signal my intentions.
5. Double-checking at intersections before turning.
6. Treating motorcyclists with respect.
7. Being patient with motorcyclists.
8. Educating others about motorcycle safety.
By taking this pledge, I aim to create a safer road for everyone, including motorcyclists. Let's make the road safer together! See us, Save Us. Respect the Ride.
Together, we can make a significant impact on motorcycle safety and protect lives. Join us in this crucial mission - donate today. Your generosity is a direct investment in the safety and well-being of riders everywhere.