“Let’s Get S.M.A.R.T. About Riding”
Safe Motorcycle And Rider Techniques
Class Hosted by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office
Motorcycle-related fatalities and motorcycle crashes, in general, are a big concern. The only way to help mitigate the problem is through awareness and training. That’s why the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office developed the SMART Course. The acronym SMART stands for Safe Motorcycle and Rider Techniques.
The GOAL of SMART training is: “To help students demonstrate safe motorcycle riding techniques by negotiating commonly found street riding situations in a controlled and skill oriented manner.” To accomplish our goal, SMART training is broken down into objectives that focus on the four primary areas that can be applied to any aspect of motorcycle riding. These include the proper use of head and eyes during turning, dipping the bike in order to facilitate transitioning, leaning the bike to make tighter turns, and properly manipulating the clutch, throttle, and brake, in order to properly work within the motorcycle’s grey area. The training is conducted in a closed course instructed by highly trained law enforcement motor officers using the very same techniques that place them in the top 5% of all riders. Each student receives individualized attention which positively reinforces the skills sets the course tries to improve. If the student has paid attention and applied themselves, they will leave a better rider than when they came in. By working together, we can lower the number of motorcycle-related fatalities and crashes. We look forward to seeing you at our SMART Course. Before your class, we strongly encourage you to review this area in its entirety. It is your responsibility to have read and have a clear understanding of this information before class. Fill out the S.M.A.R.T Application below and return it to our Motor Unit.
When is the class, and what time? – All classes are held on Saturdays with registration beginning at 7:00 am to 7:40 am. Safety Briefings start at 7:40 am with a course walk-through, and the classes will begin at 8 am and end at 2 pm. This course is free of charge; however, every rider must register with a valid driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement and sign a waiver. A mandatory rider safety briefing will be held immediately after registration. Attendance Policy – Classes start ON TIME. Individuals who are late and have not registered by 7:40 am will forfeit their position in the class. Will I receive a discount on insurance? – Completion of this course does not offer any discounts on insurance. However, each student will leave a better rider than when they arrived. Will this course help me get my motorcycle endorsement? – This course is not designed to assist new riders with obtaining their motorcycle endorsement. Anyone attending must have a valid motorcycle endorsement to register. This course will teach any rider the fundamentals needed to safely operate a motorcycle.
What to Bring to Class
Valid Driver’s License with the motorcycle endorsement ∙ A mechanically sound motorcycle (no leaking fluids, worn tires, etc.) ∙ Over-the-ankle footwear (footwear which covers the ankle bone and provides support) ∙ Long pants ∙ Long sleeve shirt or lightweight jacket ∙ Eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are acceptable) ∙ Department of Transportation approved helmet ∙ Gloves ∙ Water, Powerade, Gatorade or some other non-alcoholic beverage. Snacks are optional; remember you will be OUTSIDE ON A DRIVING PAD WITH LIMITED SHADE! Drink plenty of fluids 1 to 2 hours before the start of your range session and continue during your range session. Sunscreen, rain gear, and a change of clothing are usually good to have available. Each rider is responsible for having everything needed to attend this course. Anyone arriving without the mandatory riding equipment will not be permitted to participate. If you have registered online for the course and determine later that you will not be able to attend, please notify us of your cancellation via e-mail to raymond.west@osceolasheriff.org or by phone (321) 697-4311. This will allow other riders to fill those spots.
