The last thing that anybody wants to occur is an accident with a motorcycle. Whether you are a motorcycle rider or a driver in a traditional passenger vehicle on the roadway, safety should be your number one concern. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are not uncommon, and they can have devastating effects on victims. Here, we want to discuss some important safety tips then you can keep in mind when driving around motorcyclists.
You may have heard the phrase, “Look twice, save a life.” This is more than just a catchy slogan. This is solid advice that can save lives on the roadway. When traditional passenger vehicles and motorcyclists share the same road, it is vital that everybody pay attention to one another.
1. Share the road, not the lane
There is never going to be enough room inside of a single lane for a vehicle and a motorcycle to travel together side by side. Give motorcyclists the space to maneuver safely and do not share a lane with them.
2. Increase your following distance
Drivers should always travel a safe distance away from the vehicles in front of them, and this is particularly true when following a motorcycle. You should also be aware that there may be many motorcycles on the roadway that do not have self-canceling turn signals. If you see a motorcycle that has had their turn signal on for a while, increase your following distance just in case the motorcycle does turn.
3. Be mindful of hazardous roadway conditions
Be wary of any hazards in the roadway that could cause trouble for a motorcyclist around you. While potholes and loose gravel may not be a big deal for a passenger vehicle driver, these kinds of roadway hazards can pose significant threats to a motorcyclist.
4. Understand that motorcycles react differently
Motorcycles weigh much less than passenger vehicles. When the weather is dry out, a motorcycle can stop faster than a passenger vehicle. Motorcycles can also turn faster than a vehicle. This is another reason to allow for more following distance so that you have time to react in case a motorcycle makes a sudden maneuver.
5. Be careful around intersections
Many motorcycle versus passenger vehicle accidents happen at intersections. Follow all safety protocols when you are at intersections: come to a complete stop, make sure you see every posted traffic sign or signal, look both ways for approaching traffic, and proceed slowly through the intersection.
6. Check your blind spots
Motorcycles are smaller than vehicles and can be more difficult to see in your blind spots. Anytime you change lanes, you need to check your blind spots.
7. Pass with care
If you are in a traditional passenger vehicle and it must pass a motorcycle, take extra care when doing so. Always use your turn signal before you change lanes or before merging into a lane. After you pass a motorcycle, make sure you give several car lengths of distance in front of the motorcycle before returning to your lane.
Contact us for a free consultation of your case
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another person on the roadway, contact our Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices today. We will conduct a full investigation into your case in order to secure any compensation you are entitled to. This can include coverage for your medical bills, lost income if you are unable to work, general out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering damages, and more. When you need a Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 215.228.0100.