Sharing the Road with Motorcycles: 3 Safety Strategies

Motorcycles are becoming a more and more popular way to get around. They’re more fuel efficient, nimbler to maneuver, and are easier to park, but they also leave the bikers who ride them far more vulnerable to serious injuries. The fact is that nothing comes between the motorcyclist and the immense impact of an accident other than his or her helmet and safety gear, and that just isn’t enough when the accident is serious. Fortunately, there are 3 important safety strategies that can help you share the road more safely with motorcycles. If you’ve been injured by another motorist in a motorcycle accident, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in the Atlanta area today. 

Strategy 1: Start Seeing Motorcycles

You’ve seen the bumper stickers stating, Start Seeing Motorcycles, but implementing this advice is the important bit. You know that you share the road with motorcycles, so make looking for them – and seeing them – part of your driving routine. Most importantly, don’t forget your vehicle’s blind spots. Many of us have become complacent about changing lanes after a quick peek in our mirrors, but motorcycles are so much smaller than other vehicles that they can remain hidden in one of your vehicle’s blind spots. Before changing lanes or merging, check all the way around your car and pay special attention to those blind spots. 

Strategy 2: Don’t Crowd Motorcycles

Motorcycles have fundamental differences that affect the way they maneuver through traffic, including:

• They are much lighter and have a much lower profile than the cars we drive
• They maneuver more easily through traffic
• They require significantly shorter stopping distances 

Although motorcycles can move through traffic more easily, this doesn’t mean that they should be allotted less space on the road. Motorcyclists are entitled to their own lane, and you shouldn’t dip into that lane. Further, because the bike in front of you needs less stopping distance than you do, it’s critical that you leave enough space between you to ensure that you can come to a complete, safe stop if the need to slow down or stop suddenly arises. 

Strategy 3: Proceed with Caution

Moving through intersections and taking left turns are obviously some of the most hazardous driving actions – these are the instances when traffic converges, and if everyone isn’t putting safety first, dangerous accidents can ensue. Motorcycles are especially vulnerable in intersections – generally because they are more difficult to see. When it comes time to proceed through an intersection (especially if you are turning left), proceed with extreme caution and make a mental note to look for bikes in your midst.    

If a Motorcycle Accident Leaves You Injured, Contact Slappey & Sadd 

Motorcycle accidents are among the deadliest on our roadways. If another motorist leaves you injured in a motorcycle accident, the formidable personal injury attorneys at Slappey & Sadd – proudly serving the Atlanta area – are committed to skillfully advocating on your behalf for compensation that covers your full range of damages. To schedule a free consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us today.