Drivers, Do Your Due Diligence
Our Top Safety Tips on How to Share the Road With Motorcyclists
The number of on-road motorcycles registered in the United States continues to grow with each passing year. In 2018, 8.02% of households in the U.S. owned motorcycles, an increase from the 6.94% recorded in 2014. That means, out of approximately 126,224,000 households, roughly 10,124,400 homes have a motorcycle. As a driver on the road, you have a responsibility to practice safe driving habits, avoiding dangerous and potentially life-threatening motorcycle accidents.
Be aware of blind spots. Every vehicle has a blind spot. Even with mirrors and the technology that many cars have nowadays, there are still areas surrounding your vehicles in which objects could be obscured. With the exceptionally small size of motorcycles, it’s crucial that you, as a larger vehicle, double-check your blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
Assess your surroundings. Intersections are particularly dangerous places for motorcyclists. Make sure you pay extra close attention during these high-traffic areas.
Allow plenty of distance. Motorcycles function like standard vehicles, not automatic vehicles. Therefore, they need extra time and space for shifting gears when they accelerate or decelerate. Allowing plenty of space between you and a motorcycle not only takes the pressure off the rider but improves safety for everyone.
Never assume a motorcycle is turning. Some motorcycles do not have self-canceling turn signals. The rider may have forgotten to turn it off and therefore may not have the intention of turning. While it’s important to look for a motorcycle’s turn signals, it’s safest to wait until you are certain of whether the rider actually has the intention of turning before moving your vehicle.
Understand the law. There are certain laws set in place to prohibit dangerous maneuvers and enhance the safety of motorcyclists. When passing a motorcycle on the road, cars must allow for a minimum of 3 feet between their vehicle and the motorcycle. Parked cars pose the danger of dooring. This occurs when the person in a parked vehicle haphazardly opens their door, causing a motorcyclist or bicyclist to hit the open door or dangerously swerve to avoid hitting the open door. The law states that a person in a parked car does not have the right to open their door at any time but must wait until it is safe to do so without interrupting the flow of traffic.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the team of personal injury attorneys at Rob Levine & Associates today for a free case evaluation. There are no fees until you win!
