What Precautions Should Be Taken by a Driver When Traveling Near a Motorcycle?

Precautions by a Driver When Traveling Near a Motorcycle

By design, motorcycles are more susceptible to collisions resulting in injuries than closed vehicles. Although motorcycles are high-performance, they’re less stable and visible than cars.

When motorcyclists are involved in an accident, they lack the protection of other motorists and often suffer severe injuries and fatalities. For example, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that 6,084 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2021.

Motorcyclists are often involved in accidents with other vehicles because they are less conspicuous on the roads. Other drivers can help reduce the rate of motorcycle accidents by driving cautiously around motorcycles.

You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence.

Never hesitate to consult a trusted motorcycle accident attorney in San Diego and other California cities for legal support in obtaining compensation.

8 Tips For Driving Safely Around Motorcycles

Regarding safety, all drivers on the road have a shared responsibility. Both drivers and motorcyclists must work together to drive safely and responsibly.

Here are a few safety tips for drivers when sharing a road with motorists:

Check Your Blind Spots

A blind spot puts you in danger by concealing your view of vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and other road hazards.

Before you make a lane change or maneuver through traffic, check your blind spots to ensure that a motorcyclist is not in your path. In addition to a rear mirror, drivers may take their eyes off the vehicle to check a blind spot.

Avoid Distracted Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 3,000 people die each year in distracted driving accidents. Distracted driving is any activity that takes away the driver’s attention from the road.

A distraction could be the difference between colliding with a motorcycle and safely avoiding it. Avoid all forms of distracted driving, including:

• Texting and driving
• Grooming
• Adjusting your car music
• Eating and drinking while driving
• Attending to your pets or children
• Operating your GPS

Keep a Safe Distance

Increasing the distance between you and the vehicle ahead gives you the time to identify a hazard and respond safely. The National Safety Council recommends the 3-second rule in good conditions.

You should double the distance in poor driving conditions. In wet conditions, stopping the vehicle can take twice as long, necessitating a more significant safe distance.

Use Your Turn Signals

Common courtesy makes driving easier and safer. A turn signal is a communications device that alerts another driver of your change of direction. When a driver fails to use a turn signal, other road users miss essential information.

Since motorcyclists are fond of driving in blind spots, a turn signal can alert them to take action and avoid a potential crash.

Observe Speed Limits

Road authorities put speed limits on which drivers can drive safely based on traffic and road conditions. Observing a speed limit minimizes the probability of driving too fast in poor road conditions.

Low speed reduces the rate of motorcycle accidents and minimizes their severity. If your vehicle collides within a prescribed speed limit, you’re at low risk of severe vehicle damage and injuries.

Be Aware

Safe driving requires being aware of your surroundings, including other vehicles on the road. A motorcycle is smaller in size, which makes it difficult to spot. Always check twice when navigating a road hazard, especially at an intersection.

Most crashes with motorcycles occur when a driver is making a left turn, like an intersection. Drivers can enhance safety by looking twice when turning or changing lanes.

Avoid Impaired Driving

Safe driving requires coordination, focus, good judgment, and a fast reaction to road hazards. Alcohol and any other drugs impair the ability to navigate road hazards safely. Driving and drinking increases the risk of motorcycle accidents because of slow reaction time, poor judgment, and decreased vision.

If you drink, do not drive for any reason; instead, call a sober friend, a taxi, or a rideshare service.

Be Courteous

Being courteous is one of the unwritten rules on the road. Although being polite is not a traffic law, it makes driving safe and much more enjoyable.

Here are a few ways you can be considerate to other road users:

• Giving way
• Indicate
• Exercise patience

Motorcycle Safety Awareness

Driving around riders requires special awareness to prevent motorcycles. You can take the following steps to avoid accidents:

• Treat motorcyclists with the same respect as other vehicles.
• Allow an entire lane when passing a motorcyclist.
• Remain vigilant on the road.
• Watch for turning motorcycles.
• Avoid driver fatigue and the additional pleasure it exerts on your eyes.

Motorcycle riders should enhance their skills to boost their safety on the road. For instance, you can take a hands-on course that involves the basic skills of operating a motorcycle, including turning, stopping, swerving, shifting, and straight-line riding.

Rules For Motorcyclists Around Cars

While riding a motorcycle is fun, it also exposes you to a risk of road accidents. Although riders are at a high risk of accidents, some drivers avoid crashes by following basic motorcycle safety practices.

Here are a few ways to keep your rides accident-free:

• Wearing a helmet
• Regularly inspect your ride for defects in tires, mirrors, and lights
• Pay attention to the road for unstable road conditions and unsafe gravel
• Watch for poor weather conditions
• Avoid distracted driving
• Take a motorcycle safety course
• Obey traffic signals
• Adhere to speed limits
• Drive defensively to stay safe on the road
• Use the proper riding gear

Get in Touch With an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Suppose you’ve sustained a severe injury in a motorcycle accident involving a negligent driver. In that case, you may endure hefty medical expenses and lost income as you recover. You deserve compensation and need representation from an experienced attorney from The Barnes Firm, who will aggressively fight for a fair settlement value for your injury-related losses.

Contact us online or at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

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Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

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