5 Safety Tips for Sharing the Road with Motorcycles This Summer

With the weather warming up and summer on the horizon, there’s an increased chance you’ll be sharing the road with motorcycles. As with any other vehicle on the road, there are certain safety procedures and tips you should consider when sharing the road with motorcycles. Here are a few things to keep in mind the next time you’re behind the wheel and spot a motorcycle in your vicinity.

Check Your Blind Spots

Unlike cars, motorcycles have a much smaller profile. Because of this, they can be easily missed in your blind spot. And you wouldn’t want to accidentally change lanes into a motorcycle. So, before you switch lanes, do a quick head check to make sure there aren’t any motorcycles in your blind spot.

Use Your Turn Signals

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but many drivers forget to use their turn signals. Unfortunately, failing to do so can have devastating consequences, especially if a motorcycle is involved. They could easily swerve to avoid you and end up getting seriously injured as a result.

Don’t Follow Too Closely

Following too closely is dangerous for several reasons. However, it’s especially dangerous when motorcycles are involved. This is because they can stop much quicker than other vehicles on the road. So, if you’re following too closely and they have to brake suddenly, you could easily rear-end them and cause a serious accident. Instead, give yourself plenty of following distance. A good rule of thumb is to give them at least one car length for every ten miles per hour that you’re going.

Be Cautious When Turning Left

Like intersections, turning left is another area where accidents involving motorcycles are more likely to occur. This is because drivers often fail to see oncoming motorcycles when they’re making a left turn. So, to avoid this, it’s important to be extra cautious when making a left turn. Check your mirrors and blind spots and yield to any oncoming traffic, including motorcycles.

Know the Hand Signals

While there’s a good chance a motorcycle will have working turn signals, there’s also a chance they might not. This is why it’s important to know the hand signals that motorcycle riders may use. That way, if their turn signal isn’t working, you’ll still be able to tell which direction they’re planning on going. Here are a few of the most common hand signals used by motorcycle riders:

Left turn: The rider will stick their left arm out straight.

Right turn: The rider will stick their left arm out and bend it up at the elbow.

Stopping: The rider will stick their left arm out and bend it down at the elbow.

Slowing down: The rider will stick their left arm out and move it up and down.

Speeding up: The rider will stick their left arm out and point up with their index finger.

Now that you know a few of the basics, you should generally be able to safely share the road with motorcyclists this summer. Just remember to use caution and always be aware of your surroundings.

Seek Legal Help

Have you been in a motorcycle accident? If so, you will greatly benefit from having an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side. The Hoffman Law Firm has over 20 years of experience representing injured motorcyclists. Get in touch with us today for a free case evaluation.