Article Written By: Mary Ann Morgan, Esquire; Managing Partner of Billings, Morgan and Boatwright

Everyone faces risks every day of their life. Some risks are small and some large. The risk of injury while riding a motorcycle unfortunately has increased over the last few years. If you were severely injured and could not handle your own affairs, what would you do? To a limited extent a spouse can manage your affairs, but what if you are single? A parent or sibling or child does not have an automatic right in Florida to step in and handle things.

What you can do is prepare Powers of Attorney and designate who will help you if you are incapacitated. We recommend that every adult have three important documents. First, everyone needs a Durable Power of Attorney. This allows someone chosen by you to handle all of your financial affairs. They can pay bills, manage money and represent your interests. Second, each person should have a Medical Power of Attorney. A medical power permits someone chosen by you to make your medical decisions if you are unable to do so. They can talk with doctors, move you to another hospital, and even deal with health insurance if necessary.

Read more: If You Are Involved In A Motorcycle Accident, Are You Covered?

A grass roots citizens initiative is beginning to gain momentum in their efforts to stop the senseless killings by negligent motor vehicle operators.

Motorcyclists, bicycle riders, moped owners, runners and pedestrians are joining together to push for stiffer penalties for those inflicting severe bodily injury or death due to reckless or distracted driving. No more "slap on the wrist" for these offenders.

The group has published a proposed bill they are planning to push through the legislators for approval. The bill goes into detail on what the law reads now and what is proposed to increase the penalties.

For more information and to view the bill, check out www.stopfloridahighwaykillingsnow.com

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International has produced a simple, consistent and economical sound test standard that can be used to determine whether a streetbike (on-highway motorcycle) exhaust system emits excessive sound, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

The J2825 "Measurement of Exhaust Sound Pressure Levels of Stationary On-Highway Motorcycles," issued by the SAE in May, establishes instrumentation, test site, test conditions, procedures, measurements and sound level limits. According to the SAE, the J2825 standard is based on a comprehensive study of a wide variety of on-highway motorcycles.

Read more: Loud Pipes? New Sound Test Standard Can Determine How Loud Your Bike Really Is