Tips for Sharing the Road With Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists face unique risks on the road. Motorcycles cannot drive over rough patches of roadway, potholes or debris as easily as larger vehicles. Motorcyclists have to contend with wind, bugs and the weather when maneuvering the roads. They also do not have the same protections as motor vehicle passengers in collisions. In an accident, a motorcyclist could easily suffer catastrophic injuries such as brain damage, even with a helmet. As a motor vehicle driver, one of your responsibilities is to ensure the reasonable safety of other roadway users, including motorcyclists. Taking a few safety measures around motorcycles could save a life.

Double Check for Motorcycles

In 2018 alone, 418 motorcyclists in Texas lost their lives in traffic accidents. All motorcycle accidents are preventable with due care and caution. Other motorists can cause motorcycle wrecks by failing to keep a proper lookout for motorcycles. Motorcycles are smaller and often more difficult to see than other vehicles. It takes careful vigilance and possibly multiple checks to scan the road and be sure of no oncoming motorcyclists – especially in rainy or foggy weather.

Always check twice for motorcyclists before turning, merging or proceeding across an intersection. Left turns are especially dangerous for oncoming motorcyclists. You may misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance or fail to see the vehicle at all. Turning left into an oncoming motorcyclist could cause a deadly T-bone accident. Look for motorcyclists, use your turn signals and check your mirrors before making a turn. It is best to be overly cautious when turning in front of a motorcyclist rather than taking a risk.

Maintain Extra Following Distance

Driving too close to a motorcycle could increase the chances of causing a serious rear-end collision. It could also make a motorcyclist nervous, resulting in risks such as anxiety or overcorrection. Always give a motorcycle an entire lane, like any other vehicle. Never pass in the same lane as a motorcycle. Keep more than one car’s length of distance between your vehicle and a motorcycle. If passing a motorcycle, allow at least three to four seconds of following time before getting back in front of the motorcyclist. Cutting off a motorcyclist too early could cause a deadly rear-end collision.

Check Blind Spots

Blind spots can conceal entire four-door vehicles from view. It is especially easy to miss a smaller motorcycle riding in a blind spot. Make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted and angled to see the roadway to either side of your vehicle before driving. Always check your rear and sideview mirrors before merging or switching lanes. Do not rely only on your mirrors, however, as a motorcyclist could be in a blind spot. Look over both shoulders to visually check the road before assuming it is safe to merge or change lanes.

Avoid Distractions

Never drive distracted. It may be impossible to notice a motorcycle and stop in time to avoid a collision if a cellphone or something else is distracting your attention. Manual, visual and cognitive distractions could be enough to cause a serious or fatal motorcycle accident. You must keep your attention on the road 100% of the time to drive safely and prudently. Distracted driving is a top cause of deadly traffic accidents. In 2017, 3,166 people died in distraction-related car accidents. As a driver, do your duty by always paying attention to the road.

Respect a Motorcyclist’s Right to the Road

Driving angrily or aggressively around motorcyclists could increase the chances of an accident. Do not let biases against motorcyclists cloud your judgment. Treat motorcyclists with equal care and respect as you would give to other roadway users. Motorcyclists have as much right to the road as you do. Treat a motorcyclist with respect by keeping a safe following distance, not cutting him or her off and yielding the right-of-way. Leave ample braking distance to avoid putting a motorcyclist’s life at risk. Regardless of the size of the vehicle, a motorcycle has the right to be on the road.