Staying current is important.  For complete legislative information on bills that were passed in 2009 that will effect our members along with a listing of all bills that we should be looking at in the coming months and year, check out the State Legislative Information Center.  Just click on this link to get there.  You will be amazed at the amount of information they have compiled..   http://www.lic.abateflorida.com     "Scribe's Voice"  Legislative Newsletter can be located by clicking on the following link and will provide you with great insight into current legislation.       http://lic.abateflorida.com/LegVoice/index.htm

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    A great monthly meeting was held on January 25th involving a lot of very interested members.  Lots of things were discussed and lots of items brought up for open discussion.  New officers were introduced and spoke freely as they should.  Numerous items of interest to members were discussed.  Some of them are listed below.

    A discussion was held in regards to injured members whose names are drawn in the ongoing long term lottery.  If they are hospitalized or kept to their homes and cannot attend the meetings, they are not required to be there to win.  Their number must still be called but they are not eliminated by being injured.  

    Note was made of the school supply run next month.  It will culminate on the same day as the next monthly meeting so don't forget to bring any donations you may have or advise those that want to donate that the time is coming.  We only get once a year to do this so don't miss it.

    You will note the mention of 5 star below.  It is really a good time and worth the ride.  I even rode and got wet one time and it was still worth it.  Good food, good people, lots of ABATE participation and generally a really good time.  Don't miss it if you can make it.  Lots of fun to have.  

    Everything is updated except the newsletter and the contact list, which will be done as soon as the new newsletter comes out and we can use it.  Till then enjoy what we have posted and write me if you have any questions.

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State of Florida Announces Large Decrease in Motorcycle-Related Deaths in 2009

Deland, FL, July 13, 2010 – In early July the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) announced new data revealing a large decline in deaths occurring from motorcycle crashes in 2009. Over the last few years, the State of Florida has been reporting a decreasing number of deaths while motorcycle registrations in Florida have been steadily increasing. From 2000 to 2008, Florida has reported an average increase of 12.98% per year in motorcycle registrations1, but reported a 0.77%, 2.90%, and 25.10% DECREASE in motorcycle crash fatalities for 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively2.

This is welcome news as motorcyclists in Florida have just celebrated the 10th anniversary of the freedom of choice when deciding if they were going to wear a helmet when going out to ride. Ten years ago on July 1, 2000, Governor Jeb Bush signed into law the repeal of Florida’s thirty-year-old requirement for motorcyclists in FL to wear helmets. Motorcycle registrations in Florida went up nearly 20% in a one-year time span3 (2000-2001) immediately adjacent to this repeal.

Additionally, since 2004, the State of Florida has been reporting that the majority of motorcycle drivers and passengers in fatal crashes have been wearing the optional safety helmet. Although motorcycle helmets do offer some defensive measures when one is involved in a head-trauma accident, these numbers offer evidence that a helmet is not the magic safety device many purport them to be.

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    Congrat's to all that showed up and voted.  Yes, voting is our responsibility.  We elected a new slate of officers to start moving our chapter forward in the organization.  Good people were elected and the hopes are high for a great year to follow.  Added to this is the fact that on the 10th and 11th of July there is a leadership conference in Daland, Florida for any new officers that have not attended one.  This will be a great year for our chapter.  Keep checking this web site for activities going on.  Have fun.

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    Also, remember that Peace River Chapter is not sleeping.  We have an entire year to have a good time and do some good riding and camping.  One of the things we plan to do is post all scheduled trips and camping outings on this front page.  Want to come?  It will be posted where to meet for the trip and everyone is more than welcome.  We intend to post interesting trips with interesting people and the really big trips will invite other chapters along our way.  Keep looking till you find something you are interested in or send me some ideas.  The goal is to have a great time

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    Also remember, if you are a member in good standing of the Peace River Chapter you can place an ad in the Classified section of this web site free of charge.  It does not have to be motorcycle related, it can be anything.  Simply send the  information to the Webmaster, include photos if you desire, and the ad will be posted for anyone to see.   This is your web site, use it when it can help you.

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