Legally Reviewed by Frank Marsalisi on August 12, 2026
Riding a motorcycle is cool, but it’s also a lot riskier than driving a car. A motorcycle crash is almost 30 times more likely to be fatal than a car crash. So, it’s important to know how to be safe while looking cool.
Florida is one of the most popular states for motorcyclists, thanks to warm weather and long riding seasons, but that popularity comes with real risk. Below are eight safety habits every rider, new or experienced, should build into every ride.
1. Get in Gear
The Terminator wore a leather jacket because it looked cool; but in reality, Arnold’s reinforced leather jacket, pants, and boots are way safer than your shorts, t-shirt and flip flops. Imagine what the pavement will do to you if you’re not a cybernetic organism consisting of living tissue over a robotic endoskeleton.
If you have an open-faced helmet don’t even think about leaving the house without good glasses or goggles. Also, don’t forget your gloves.
Speaking of helmets. Wear one. Period. Under Florida Statute 316.211, riders under 21 must wear a helmet, and riders 21 and older may ride without one only if they carry at least $10,000 in motorcycle medical benefits coverage. Ask yourself this: if you’re about to hit the pavement, what is the first thing you would like to make contact with the road? Polycarbonate plastic, fiberglass, Kevlar, or your skin and skull? It’s that easy. End of story.
2. Get the Right Bike
If you’re 5′ 6″ and weigh 135 pounds soaking wet, don’t buy some giant overpowered hog. Street bikes can weigh anywhere from about 500 lbs. to over 1,000 lbs. Get a bike that fits you. Your feet should rest firmly and flat on the ground. You should be able to lift the bike off the ground. If it feels too heavy, it’s too much bike for you. The handlebars should be an easy reach, and the controls should be easy to manage. There’s no shame in getting a smaller bike that’s more manageable. The experience will still be pretty much the same, but much safer for you.
3. Kick the Tires
Actually, you have to do a lot more than just kick the tires. You should check your bike thoroughly before riding. Unlike your car, a loose nut or bolt could cost you your life. Check the tire pressure with a gauge, not by kicking them. Check for leaks, and look for signs of wear and tear. If you’re not already a stickler about maintenance, now’s your chance to check the oil, check the chain or belt, and check the suspension. Really examine the brake wear. Lastly, check the gas before you set out on any trip.
4. Put Your Head on a Swivel
Imagine you’re invisible to the other motorists, because many times you are. Drivers are more distracted than ever. Be aware of your riding space. The driver next to you may not realize you’re there until it’s too late. Use your mirrors, but also be extra cautious and turn your head to look before changing lanes. While rounding corners, keep your head and eyes up and looking down the road. Defensive riding is key when you’re on a motorcycle, since so many motorcycle crashes trace back to a driver who simply never saw the rider.
5. Learn to Read the Road
With only two wheels, it’s imperative that you are aware of changing road conditions. Even the best roads have dangerous obstacles. Brand new blacktop can have newly painted lines that are slippery. Any curve has the potential for disaster. Potholes, loose gravel, and moisture can be hiding just around the corner, waiting to take your bike out from under you.
6. Clear Your Head
Never ride angry. If your mind isn’t focused on the road and your surroundings, you’re just asking for trouble. If you’re emotional, intoxicated, impaired, tired, drowsy, or distracted in any way, your chances of being involved in an accident go way up. Make a small mistake and you could pay a big price.
7. Have a Nice Day
Florida weather can change in an instant. It will be sunny one moment and a torrential downpour the next. With no windshield or roof over your head, driving rain will ruin your visibility. Also, hitting raindrops at 50 mph hurts and feels like razor blades against any bare skin. Therefore, make sure you check the weather before you head out on the open road, and have a plan for pulling over and a place to stop while you wait out the storm.
8. Backseat Riders
Sharing your ride with your significant other, or hope-to-be significant other, is a really attractive aspect of owning a bike. But you have to follow some basic rules. First, is your bike even designed for two riding on it? Some sportbikes aren’t really designed for two riders. Riding solo requires skill; riding with a passenger doubles the ante and requires that much more skill. Give your passenger a thorough briefing before riding. Take them to a parking lot or some other safe place to practice getting on and off the bike, making turns, and getting a feel for the power, acceleration, and weight distribution.
Lastly, make sure they have on all the appropriate gear as well. Giving that person your helmet does not make you chivalrous, it makes you a potential organ donor. Ride smart, and if you want more ways to keep your bike road ready between rides, our motorcycle maintenance checklist covers the basics.
Why These Tips Matter in Florida
Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities in the country. Riders here face year-round riding weather, heavy seasonal traffic, and drivers who are not always looking for motorcycles at intersections. None of the tips above can eliminate that risk entirely, but they can meaningfully reduce it.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Crash
No amount of gear or preparation can control how someone else drives. If you are hurt in a motorcycle crash that was not your fault, get medical care first, then document the scene if you are able, and consider speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company. An attorney can help you understand your options and what your claim may be worth.
Stay alert. But if you get hurt, talk to Frank.
Attorney Frank Marsalisi believes that every client deserves his full attention. Your case will never be managed by a paralegal or case manager. Frank not only fights for your rights, he handles your insurance and hospital issues so you can concentrate on your medical recovery.
If you can’t come to Frank, he’ll come to you. Frank will listen to your story, consider all the facts, and assess your case. He’ll give you his honest advice, without charging you a penny. If you have a case, Frank will take it on, and you still won’t owe anything unless you recover compensation.
Frank will stand up for you against powerful, wealthy companies and people. And if your case goes to trial, Frank will represent you personally. Frank has always been on your side. He’s a St. Pete native who has always worked for the plaintiff.
Personal attention to personal injury. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, reach out through our contact form for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Safety in Florida
Is a helmet legally required for motorcyclists in Florida?
Riders under 21 must wear a helmet at all times. Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet only if they carry at least $10,000 in motorcycle medical benefits coverage. Wearing a helmet is still one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of a head injury regardless of age.
How much more dangerous is riding a motorcycle than driving a car?
Federal crash data has consistently shown motorcyclists are far more likely to die in a crash than occupants of a passenger vehicle involved in a similar collision, largely because riders have no frame, airbags, or seatbelt to absorb the impact. Protective gear and defensive riding reduce that risk but cannot eliminate it.
What should I check on my motorcycle before every ride?
Before every ride, check tire pressure and tread, look for fluid leaks, test lights and mirrors, inspect the chain or belt, and check brake wear. A short pre-ride inspection can catch mechanical issues before they turn into a roadside emergency.
What should I do if a car hits me while I am riding?
Call 911 and get medical care even if injuries seem minor, since some motorcycle injuries do not show symptoms right away. Document the scene with photos if you are able, get the other driver’s information, and speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company.
Can a passenger ride on any motorcycle?
No. Some motorcycles, particularly certain sportbikes, are not designed to safely carry a second rider. Confirm your bike is rated for two riders, brief your passenger on getting on and off safely, and make sure they wear the same protective gear you do.
About the Attorney
Founder, Marsalisi Law
Frank P. Marsalisi is a bilingual trial lawyer and St. Petersburg native who founded Marsalisi Law to represent people hurt in motorcycle, car, and other traffic accidents throughout the Tampa Bay area. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2008.
