The approaching summer brings with it many things. Along with fun holidays and swim parties comes the desire to take to the road. As you make preparations for your vacation, it is important that you review road safety laws and drive accordingly. Automobile drivers in particular need to be mindful of motorcyclists as they share the road together.
When a car and motorcycle crash, the results can be devastating. The simple fact is that a car is generally bigger and more enclosed than a motorcycle. Most cars are also equipped with airbags to provide protection in the event of a crash.
On the other hand, motorcycles are open-air vehicles. Even if a motorcyclist is following every rule to the letter and wearing a helmet, his two-wheeled vehicle is no match for a four-wheeled car. The hard truth is that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash than someone who is driving a car.
How to safely share the road
There are some things that automobile drivers can do to safely share the road with motorcyclists.
- Always check your blind spots before changing lanes. Motorcycles are harder to see than cars because of their two-wheeled streamlined design.
- Use caution when driving at night. Make sure to use your headlights and never speed in the dark.
- Remain in your lane when possible. Motorcycles are legally allowed to have a lane to themselves.
- Signal before you change lanes to allow the motorcycle to maintain a proper distance from you.
- Use extreme caution when approaching an intersection. Do not speed up in order to beat a red light. The results could be deadly.
No matter how cautious you are, car and motorcycle accidents may happen. If that does occur, experienced legal guidance can help you navigate through the aftermath.
