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Female Motorcyclist

3 TIPS FOR SHARING THE ROADS WITH MOTORCYCLES

Steven Day Dec. 4, 2018

Every year, there are about 5.5 million car accidents on U.S. roads. And of these 5.5. million

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accidents, three million result in injuries and 40,000 result in deaths. This is why it's so important to be mindful when you're driving, especially when you're sharing the road with motorcycles. Thousands of motorcyclists are injured or killed due to the inattention of distracted drivers. So what should you know about how to safely share the road with motorcyclists?

Pass with caution: Just like you can pass cars, when the road allows, you are allowed to pass motorcycles on the road. But you should do so with added caution. You need to give motorcycles more room when you're passing. If you fail to give them enough room behind you, you could cause them to over-brake and fall. Additionally, the wind produced when you pass could cause the biker to become unbalanced. So always use your best judgment and pass safely.

Check blind spots: As a driver, forgetting about your blind spots is one of the worst driver errors you could make. Checking and being aware of your blind spots is crucial for driving in any circumstance, but especially when driving near motorcycles. If you go to change lanes without checking your blind spot, you may completely miss seeing a motorcyclist in the lane next to you. Motorcycles are generally more difficult to spot, especially in blind spots, so always make sure to take extra time to ensure you're safe to change lanes or turn.

Be aware of turns: Unlike cars, not all motorcycles have self-cancelling turn signals. This is why drivers need to be extra cautious when a motorcycle has their turn signal on. If you're driving behind or next to a motorcycle with an activated turn signal, make sure to give them their space. They could be signaling to turn or change lanes or they may have simply forgotten to turn their signal off. Either way, it's important to give them enough time to turn or change lanes if that is their intention.

It's important to remember that motorcycles have the same rights to be on the roads as drivers of cars and trucks. So keep these tips in mind to ensure you're sharing the road safely.

If you or someone you know is involved in an accident with a motorcyclist, contact Day Nance today. Our lawyers have the experience needed to build the strongest case possible for fair compensation.