Alabama Motorcycle Manual - 17th Edition

Organ Donation

• When obtaining a driving license, you will be asked about being an organ donor.
• Saying yes means giving someone a chance at life by donating organs/tissues after death.
• Organ donor status will appear on your license with a red heart.
• Organ transplants are in high demand; decision to donate can save lives.
• Myths and facts:
  • Medical care is not affected by donor status.
  • Organ donation does not disfigure the body.
  • No financial cost to the donor’s family.
  • Discuss donation wishes with family.

Preface - Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Manual

• Designed to help novice motorcyclists reduce crash risk.
• Provides essential safe riding information for licensing programs.
• Developed by NPSRI and NHTSA.
• Latest edition includes comprehensive safe riding practices and best practices for carrying passengers/cargo.
• MSF promotes improved licensing programs and motorcycle safety.

License Requirements in Alabama

• A driver license is required to operate motor vehicles on highways.
• Two classes of cycles:
  1. Motorcycle: motor vehicle with seat/saddle, designed for <3 wheels.
  2. Motor-Driven Cycle: <5 brake horsepower, <150cc engine, <200 pounds.
• Age requirements and restrictions for licensing:
  • Class M license at age 16.
  • Restricted license at age 14 for motor-driven cycle.

Motorcycle Operation in Alabama

• Legal requirements for motorcycle operation:
  • Must ride on permanent seat with footpegs if carrying passengers.
  • Cannot carry items that prevent using both hands on handlebars.
  • Must wear approved helmet and shoes.
• Full use of lanes for motorcycles; certain lane-sharing rules apply.

Preparing to Ride

Wear the Right Gear

• Gear should protect in crashes and from elements.
• Helmet, face/eye protection, protective clothing essential.
• Helmet significantly reduces head/neck injuries.

Know Your Motorcycle

• Ensure motorcycle fits and controls are familiar.
• Perform pre-ride inspections using T-CLOCS checklist.

Riding Within Abilities

Basic Vehicle Control

• Proper posture, seat position, hands, knees, and feet placement.
• Gear shifting and braking techniques.
• Importance of avoiding sudden moves on slippery surfaces.

Keeping Distance

• Maintaining a space cushion from other vehicles.
• Positioning in lane for visibility and protection.

Crash Avoidance

• Skills to avoid crashes include stopping quickly and swerving.
• Techniques for handling dangerous surfaces like slippery roads and obstacles.

Being in Shape to Ride

• Fitness and alertness are crucial; alcohol and drugs impair these abilities.
• Understanding blood alcohol concentration (BAC) effects.
• Legal implications and the importance of not riding under influence.
• Strategies for preventing friends from riding under influence.
• Effects of marijuana on riding.

Earning Your License

• Tests required: knowledge test and on-cycle skill test.
• Knowledge test includes road rules and safe riding practices.
• Skill test evaluates vehicle control and crash-avoidance skills.

Three-Wheel Supplement

• Information specific to three-wheel motorcycles.
• Differences in handling, braking, and turning.
• Importance of proper load distribution.

Group Riding

• Group riding strategies, formations, and communication with hand signals.
• Passing strategy and maintaining safety in groups.

Additional Tips

• Pre-ride test with loaded motorcycle.
• Carry essential tools and kits on long trips.
• Importance of professional training for safe riding.

These notes summarize the Alabama Motorcycle Manual, focusing on key aspects of safe motorcycle operation, licensing, and group riding. Review these points to ensure compliance with state laws and to enhance riding safety.