Motorcycle Awareness
Warmer weather not only means windows down and music up- it means that there are more motorcycles on the road. Motorists should constantly remind themselves of the importance of road-sharing and respecting other travelers, including motorcycles, which may be hard to spot.
We’ve helped many patients who have been involved in car accidents, and the results can be downright tragic. The following are some suggestions for being careful when sharing the road with a motorcycle.
1. Check Your Blind Spots
Being aware of the presence of motorcyclists on the road is the first step toward safely interacting with them. Since bikes can be more challenging to see than cars because of their smaller size, you should be more cautious about them. Check your blind spots and mirrors before turning, changing lanes, or at intersections- and just like you learned in driving school, “keep your head on a swivel” to make sure you’re aware of your surroundings at all times.
2. Give Motorcyclists Enough Space
Giving motorcyclists plenty of space is the best way to share the road with them. Since motorcycles have a relatively smaller profile, they’re more prone to collisions. As such, give them 3-4 seconds of following distance to enable sudden swerves or stops. When passing, leave an entire lane of space (or more) between you and the motorcyclist.
3. Use Directional Signals
Always check your mirrors and use your turn signals before turning or changing lanes to ensure no motorcyclists are nearby. Remember, motorcycles might be traveling at a faster speed than you would expect. So, give them enough time to respond to your movements by indicating your intentions in advance.
4. Stay in Your Lane
Legally, motorcycles are entitled to their traffic lane. You’re not allowed to drive in the same lane, side by side, with a motorcycle. Sharing a lane with a motorcycle is dangerous and illegal, regardless of how small these vehicles are.
5. Weather Warning
Weather conditions can adversely affect motorcyclists’ road safety. Motorcyclists may have a more challenging time seeing and being seen in bad weather. Drivers must exercise extra caution and give motorcyclists ample space under circumstances like rain, wind, or poor visibility. Motorbikes may also find it more challenging to maneuver on wet or slippery roads, so be ready to allow them more space than usual.
6. Don’t Expect Motorcycles to Behave Like Cars
When sharing the road with motorcycles, avoid making the mistake of assuming they’ll behave like cars. Motorbikes require more attention and skill to operate safely because they have a distinct center of gravity and driving characteristics than cars. For instance, motorcyclists may need to swerve and use the brakes more often than cars when avoiding road hazards like potholes or debris.
7. Be Patient and Courteous
It’s also crucial to be patient and courteous when interacting with motorcyclists. Remember, motorcyclists are more prone to accidents and have the right to be on the road. Be patient when sharing the road with motorcycles and give them the space and time to navigate the road safely. Avoid honking, tailgating, or other aggressive driving behaviors, as these can frighten motorcyclists and increase the likelihood of an accident.
Remember, a motorcyclist can’t have a fender-bender. They’re fully displayed. Motorcyclists often sustain severe or fatal injuries in multi-vehicle accidents. As a car driver, you must exercise caution and take all reasonable steps to avoid colliding with a motorcycle.
If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, you know how stressful they can be. You may be confused about or even overwhelmed by your treatment options. But that is where the amazing team at BC + PT can help! With both chiropractic and physical therapy services all in one place, we strive for the highest quality of care and make it easy to get all the best under one roof. Give us a call or fill out one of our contact forms today!