When many people learn to drive, they are taught to look for other cars in their way. This can be a problem for the two-wheeled vehicles that drivers also share the road with. When motorcycles are on the road, it is important for drivers to be extra aware of how their actions on the road can affect those driving motorcycles and make sure that they do what they can to keep everyone safe.

Keep Motorcyclists Safe When Driving

Accidents involving motorcycles are not always the fault of the car driver. There are many instances where motorcyclists drive recklessly, and cars that are following the rules of the road are involved in a crash with the rider. However, to keep everyone on the road safe, there are some practices that all drivers should follow.

Drivers should do their part to protect motorcyclists by:

• Double checking when stopped at a traffic light to stop sign to make sure a motorcycle is not approaching
• Checking and double checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Using turn signals for at least five seconds before turning or changing lanes
• Not trying to share a lane with a motorcycle
• Not tailgating motorcycles
• Keeping a four second following distance
• Recognizing that weather elements affect motorcyclists differently
• Being extra wary when driving around a motorcycle

Those riding motorcycles often need even more consideration that other vehicles on the road. A motorcyclist faces additional dangers due to their unprotected bodies and the size of their vehicles. For example, potholes that cars could safely drive over may cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike and be flung into traffic. Staying back further than a driver would for a car can help to prevent such accidents from taking place to begin with.

Many accidents with motorcyclists can be prevented by drivers double checking where they are going and by remembering that they are not the only ones on the road!