Sharing the Road with Motorcyclists
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. When it comes to sharing the road with motorcyclists, it is important to have awareness of a few key facts in order to prioritize everyone’s safety. Take a quick look over these five safety tips, and it could save someone’s life.
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Motorcycles take up an entire lane.
Motorcycles are entitled to their own lane, even though they might not be as wide as pick up truck that is also entitled to its own lane. They are legally allowed to take up the entire lane, and they are not required to share it with another biker or a car. Never try to pass a motorcycle in the same lane that it is occupying.
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Motorcycle turn signals don’t automatically turn off.
Unlike the turn signals in most cars and other vehicles, motorcycle turn signals typically do not come with a feature that will turn off the signal for the rider once the turn has been completed. As a result, you may sometimes see a turn signal clicking away without any relevant actions by the motorcyclist. Consider it a forgotten signal and proceed with caution.
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At a full stop, motorcycle brake lights might be off.
Especially at night, it is important to pay close attention when coming to an intersection or making a turn. When at a full stop, a motorcyclist might put his or her foot down and let go of the brake, causing the brake light to turn off. In the dark, the motorcycle might be hard to see, so be aware of your surroundings.
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Motorcycles need extra space to adjust to road conditions in inclement weather.
In bad weather, being on the road is tougher for everyone. Motorcycles are more subject to the elements and road conditions than cars so be considerate. They need some extra room to be able to adjust to oncoming road conditions, so be generous.
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Motorcycles are small.
They can easily “disappear” into blind spots, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there! Make sure you carefully monitor your surroundings if you know there is a motorcycle near you. Double check your blind spots when making a lane change, and stay aware of the motorcycle’s movements and position.
If you’ve been involved in a traffic accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Loewy Law Firm today for a free consultation.