OCALA, FL (352today.com) – This past year, the Ocala Police Department made good use of a grant issued by the State of Florida Department of Transportation.
The OPD had received the Motorcycle Safety grant previously in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024 along with this year, said Ocala Police Department Sgt. Justin Arnold, Special Operations, Traffic Division supervisor. Among his responsibilities are managing the agency’s state-funded traffic grants, including the motorcycle safety grant that OPD is currently wrapping up for the 2024-2025 year.
OPD didn’t apply for the grant in 2026 but will be directing their efforts toward participating in a distracted driving grant for the forthcoming year.
“We implement countermeasures and statistics from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) guide to help navigate our education and enforcement efforts on this grant,” said Arnold. “But the funding and guidelines come to us from the State of Florida Department of Transportation. This year, we were awarded $25,000 in funding and are on pace to use at least 80% of those funds.”
However, there are a number of variables motorists, particularly motorcyclists, have to contend with; with a heavier traffic volume, inclement weather, distracted and impaired drivers, the challenges can be difficult, but being seen by other motorists is critical.
“High-visibility reflective clothing is the best recommendation for a motorcyclist to remain visible,” said Arnold. “It is also encouraged to ride closer to the center line and not too close to other vehicles to be more visible in traffic.”
Arnold recommends motorcyclists drive the speed limit to give themselves more reaction time, and that they remain vigilant of their surroundings. Motorcyclists should also make certain their vehicle is well-maintained.
“This is a key component to motorcycle safety,” said Arnold. “The most common issues we find in motorcycle crashes are worn tire tread, underinflated tires, and worn brakes. Modifications to motorcycles such as adjusting handlebar height, fork length, seating, etc… also effects the drivability of a motorcycle and makes it harder to safety maneuver.”
Wearing protective gear and dressing appropriately can’t be understated when operating a motorcycle. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcyclists killed or 15% of all traffic fatalities.
“Motorcycles don’t offer airbags, seatbelts, and other safety measures that a car does,” said Arnold. “The gear you wear is critical to reduce injuries. We encourage wearing DOT approved helmets at all times. Riding gear such as padded jackets and pants greatly reduces injuries as well. Closed toes shoes or boots are also encouraged. These outfits are not as comfortable, but in a crash, they can be the difference between life and death.”
The grant provided a deep volume of resources for the public this past year, said Arnold.
“The grant supplies us with educational flyers to issue to motorists and motorcyclists alike,” said Arnold. “We have issued over 100 educational materials so far in 2025 thanks to this grant.”