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  Florida is taking steps to curb highway accidents involving motorcycles. The measures come in response to statistics that showed more than 8,300 people died in motorcycle crashes in 2009, according to the the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The incidents resulted in nearly 400 deaths. To address motorcycle safety, Florida has enacted training requirements that include training as well as protective gear that motorcyclists must wear.
  
  , 8,313 motorcycle crashes occurred in 2009.
  
  376 of those motorcyclists died, while 26 motorcycle passengers also perished. (Reference 6)
  
  

Motorcycle Endorsement

• To lawfully operate a motorcycle, cyclists must obtain a motorcycle endorsement, if they already hold a driver's license. In July 2008, Florida began requiring new motorcycle drivers to complete a basic rider course to add a motorcycle endorsement to their current driver's license. The course is offered by the Florida Rider Training Program. It focuses on how to properly turn, use brakes, select protective gear, avoid obstacles and drive responsibly. Once you acquire your motorcycle endorsement, it never expires.
  
  

Motorcycle-Only Driver's License

• You can acquire a motorcycle-only driver's license. You must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you must have held your learner's permit for at least one year and have a clean driving record. You will have to pass the knowledge test of the regular Class E driver's license, along with completing the basic motorcycle safety course. However, this license only enables you to drive a motorcycle.
  
  

Protective Gear

• To protect motorcyclists, Florida has imposed certain protective gear requirements. You must wear protective headgear such as a helmet, fastened securely on your head while operating or riding on a motorcycle. However, if you're over 21, you may drive or ride on a motorcycle without a helmet if you hold "an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle," according to Florida state statue 316.211 (please see reference 1). Regardless of age or insurance policy, you must wear protective eye wear such as sunglasses, goggles or face shield.
  
  

Riding

• By law, you may ride side by side with another motorcyclist in a single lane. You may also utilize the entire lane by yourself. No other vehicle may lawfully deny you full use of the lane. However, you cannot pass another vehicle while occupying the same lane as that vehicle. You also cannot drive between lanes of traffic.