Driving might feel like an almost automatic thing to do, but in reality, your time on the road should have your entire attention, whether you are in a car or riding a motorcycle. Sometimes, drivers can feel defensive towards motorcyclists, as they see them as reckless drivers. Meanwhile, motorcyclists might feel the same defensiveness as they feel drivers do not take riders into consideration. This is why it is so important that everyone keeps in mind that safety comes first. Here are some useful tips and considerations for both drivers and riders.
- Motorcycles Behave Differently than Cars
While this might seem quite obvious, sometimes drivers and motorcyclists forget all about this. Drivers should keep in mind that being on a motorcycle means having to avoid and manage a great number of risks, risks that cars might not even be aware of.
Sometimes, riders have to maneuver quickly when things like a slick patch of road or even a small pothole appear. This is when being understanding can come in handy for drivers. Furthermore, both motorcyclists and those inside a car should keep a safe distance at all times. This allows everyone to maneuver when necessary. Not complying with this could be the argument used by a motorcycle accident attorney to win the case for their client if there is an accident and the case is taken to court.
- Riding in the Dark Can Be Dangerous
Driving in the dark always has an added tone of danger as visibility is inevitably reduced. This is especially true when it comes to motorcycles, as cars have more difficulty seeing them and an accident is more likely to take place. Plus, irregularities on the road are more difficult to perceive, and nocturnal animals can unexpectedly cross the road, which could be a fatal event for a rider.
A way in which motorcyclists can prevent these issues is by wearing reflective clothing or adding reflective accessories to their bikes. Furthermore, drivers and riders should always have their lights on at night, which is a legal requirement and a safety tip that should always be followed.
- Some States Allow Lane-Splitting
California is the only state in which lane-splitting is completely legal. This was issued on the AB-51 Bill. Furthermore, a section of the California Vehicle Code, section 21658.1 establishes this as well. However, there are many states in which lane-splitting is completely illegal.
In Utah, there is a special provision for lane-splitting, which is allowed but under certain circumstances. Meanwhile, states such as Oregon, Washington, and Connecticut are in the process of considering the issuing of lane-splitting regulations.
There are other states in which there is no specific prohibition, which are Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Delaware.
- Motorcycle Distance Can Be Difficult to Gauge
Some motorcycles have two headlights, which can make it confusing for people to determine if what is incoming is a car or a motorcycle. This is especially tricky when a driver is going to cross a street and they see an unidentified vehicle coming. In this case, it’s better to just wait for the vehicle to pass.
The size of motorcycles also varies widely, which can also be an obstacle in identifying how far away they are. This is why it’s always better to err on the side of caution and be careful at all times.
- Defensive Riding
Driving defensively it’s something both drivers and riders should do. Riders should never assume that a driver sees them, be it day or night. Sometimes, the motorcycle can be just on the blind spot of the driver, which could lead to an accident.
Drivers should also be aware of their surroundings at all times. Whenever you are making a turn, you should check your rearview mirrors and even turn your head to check that there is no vehicle, car or motorcycle that can be harmed by your turn.
- Left Turns Require Caution
Turning left is always something that can bring difficulties for drivers, even more so when there is a lot of traffic. Intersections are another example in which driving defensively and being careful can pay off. Scanning the intersection appropriately can save you from crashing into a motorcycle, which is more difficult to see due to its smaller size.
