According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, over half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle; most of the time, the driver – not the motorcyclist – is at fault. This unfortunate statistic is due to the fact that many drivers do not know how to drive safely around riders on motorcycles.
Look twice. Save a life.
Because a motorcycle is so much smaller than a car or truck, it can end up in a driver’s blind spot – a very dangerous place to be. Before turning or merging lanes, always look twice in every direction to make sure a motorcyclist isn’t in your path.
Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear.
It is difficult to judge the size and speed of a motorcycle when looking into your rearview mirrors. When changing lanes or exiting your driveway, check your mirrors; assume all motorcycles are closer to your vehicle and moving faster than they seem.
Where are the brake lights?
Motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting into a lower gear, which slows the speed without hitting the brakes. Even though you may not see a brake light on a motorcycle in front of you, be aware it may be slowing down. Leave a little extra following room, especially when approaching heavy traffic or intersections.
Share the road.
Motorcyclists may switch positions – left to right, right to left – within one lane. This can be to improve visibility, avoid road debris, or ride more easily in the wind. Know that this maneuver is most likely intentional and not an attempt to ‘show off’ or pass a vehicle. Give motorcyclists plenty of room to move as they need to within the lane, and never move up next to a motorcycle within the same lane.
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injury. It is important to see the person under the helmet when riding with motorcyclists; he or she could be a friend, neighbor, or family member. Take extra precaution when riding around motorcycles, as they are, by default, at a greater risk for injury.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should contact the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers to discuss your rights.