The Florida Highway Patrol has launched a safety campaign “Ride Proud. Dress Loud,” to help compel bikers to dress in brightly colored chaps when they take to the open highway.
The Ride Proud. Dress Loud Campaign launched on Monday and will run through September. It encourages bikers to steer clear of wearing neutral colors such as black, beige and gray.
One of the greatest dangers to motorcyclists on the highway is other motorists who may not seem them.
Officials feel enthusiastic that the campaign will help to lower the number of biker fatalities each year. It may however, be an exhausting battle as helmets are optional in the state of Florida.
“We want motorcyclists to be safe and clearly visible to motorists, because they’ve got a lot at stake,” said spokesman Capt. Mark Welch.
In 2006, 521 motorcyclists were killed in Florida traffic fatalities, up from 441 in 2005.
Particularly interesting is that FHP 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.
“You hate saying its different, but it is” said Welch, noting troopers receive more training than the average recreational biker. #