Tips for Sharing the Road Safely With Motorcycles

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Motorcycle Accidents

When you drive, you have to share the road with a wide variety of other vehicles, and it is always good to remember that everyone has an equal right to safety on the road. This includes not just standard four-wheeled vehicles and large trucks and buses, but also motorcycles.

Motor vehicle accidents can be especially deadly for motorcyclists, since they do not have the protection of a large vehicle or safety features such as seat belts and airbags.

When you drive, it is important to practice good driving habits which will help protect not only your own safety, but the safety of everyone with whom you share the road. Unfortunately, many drivers do not drive as safely as they should around motorcycles, since their small size can make them harder to see.

In order to avoid motorcycle accidents, consider the following tips for driving safely around motorcycles:

1. Always check your blind spots - Motorcycles have a narrow profile, and a driver’s view of them can easily become obstructed. When changing lanes or making a turn, it is a good idea to check and double check your blind spots to look for motorcycles.

2. Maintain a safe distance - The small size of motorcycles can make it difficult to judge their speed, and motorcyclists may slow down by downshifting, which will not activate their brake lights. Following a motorcycle at a safe distance can help avoid a collision if they slow down unexpectedly.

3. Watch for swerving - Motorcycles often move around within a lane, swerving to avoid potholes or road debris. Stay aware of these movements and give motorcycles plenty of space when passing them.

4. Give motorcyclists the full lane - In heavy traffic, it can be tempting to squeeze past a motorcycle, since there seems to be space next to them in a lane. However, motorcycles have the same rights as other vehicles, so always make sure to let them use a full lane of travel and avoid crowding them.

5. Watch for signals - Motorcycles usually do not have self-canceling turn signals, so motorcyclists may forget to turn signals off after turning or changing lanes. Drivers should pay attention to a motorcyclist’s movements (including any hand signals they make) and understand what they are doing.

Contact a Waukegan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Even when you drive as safely as possible, accidents still happen. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced attorney on your side to help you receive compensation for your damages. Contact a Lake County motorcycle accident attorney at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Motorist_Awareness_tips.pdf

https://www.drive-safely.net/motorcycle-safety-tips/