Share the Road
During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, drivers of all vehicles are reminded to do their part and "share the road" with motorcyclists by staying alert to keep riders safe. No matter the size of their ride, motorcyclists are entitled to their space on the road. A motorcyclist has the same privileges and rights as any other motorist and must follow the same laws of the road.
Over 65% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Most of the time, the motorist, not the motorcyclist, is at fault. In the battle of bike vs. car, the bike loses every time. Brush up on your driving skills by taking an online
defensive driving course and follow these tips to keep the road safe for all drivers.
Check Blind Spots
Check and re-check your blind spot. Because of the size of a bike, it can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spot or masked by objects and backgrounds. Take an extra second to re-check your blind spots for motorcycles and use your turn signals before turning or changing lanes.
Presume a Motorcycle is Closer Than It Appears
Judging a bike’s speed is difficult. Anticipate the bike is closer than it seems and allow for extra time for turning at driveways and intersections.
Keep Your Distance
Motorcyclists often slow down the speed of the bike by rolling off the throttle or downshifting, which does not activate the braking lights on the motorcycle. Presume motorcycles will slow down at intersections without visual warning. Motorcycles have the ability to stop quicker that other vehicles. Maintain an extra 4 or 5 seconds of following distance between you and a motorcyclist. Increase the space when encountering inclement weather, night driving and dangerous road conditions.
Check Both Lanes Before Turning
Motorcycles might pass you on either side of your vehicle. Double check both lanes whether you are turning left or right. When you are being passed by a motorcycle, maintain your lane position and do not increase your speed.
Watch for Turn Signals
Turn signals on motorcycles are not always self-cancelling. Riders can forget to turn them off after a turn or changing lanes. Watch for sudden moves from a cyclist that has left their signal on by accident.
Stay in Your Lane
The motorcyclist is entitled to the entire driving lane. Do not attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle. Allow them adequate room to maneuver. Never pass close to a rider. The force of the wind gust can cause the rider to lose control.
Park Safely
Check for motorcyclists before opening your car door. Motorcyclists often ride close to the vehicles parked on the roadside when they need to make a right turn without blocking traffic. When you pull away, remember to look once for cars and twice for motorcycles. Motorcycles can accelerate faster than cars.
Share the Road
Remember that there is no such thing as a fender-bender for a bike rider. They are completely exposed unlike cars with airbags and safety features. Most multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles cause serious or fatal injuries to the riders. It is your responsibility, as the driver of an automobile, to take caution and do everything in your power to prevent motorcycle accidents.
Share the Road
During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, drivers of all vehicles are reminded to do their part and "share the road" with motorcyclists by staying alert to keep riders safe. No matter the size of their ride, motorcyclist are entitled to their space on the road. A motorcyclist has the same privileges and rights as any other motorist and must follow the same laws of the road.
Over 65% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Most of the time, the motorist, not the motorcyclist, is at fault. In the battle of bike vs. car, the bike loses every time. Brush up on your driving skills by taking an online
defensive driving course and follow these tips to keep the road safe for all drivers.