There are ways that drivers can help keep motorcyclists safe on the roadways. When drivers fail to take precautions for motorcycle rider safety, they may be considered negligent and may be liable for the damages suffered by motorcycle accident victims.
Safe driving tips around motorcycles
There are several ways drivers can help keep motorcycle riders safe on the roadways including:
- Not sharing a lane with motorcycle riders: it is important for drivers never to attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle. Though they may be smaller, motorcycles need their full lane of traffic to respond to any unexpected changes in the roadway and to safely navigate any roadway challenges or hazards.
- Increasing following distance behind motorcycles: it is important for drivers to increase their following distance when traveling behind a motorcycle. Motorcycles may need more time to respond to abrupt changes in roadway, weather or traffic conditions. Without increasing following time, drivers may not be leaving themselves with the stopping distance needed or the motorcycle rider with the critical time they need to respond.
- Continuously scanning the roadway for motorcycles: it is important for drivers to remain alert and attentive for motorcycles by continuously scanning the roadway for them and never driving while distracted. When the driver of the passenger vehicle is to blame, the most common case of an accident with a motorcycle is that the drive failed to yield the right of way to the motorcycle. The majority of motorcycle accidents happen at intersections which is an area where drivers should remain particularly focused and attentive for motorcycles and motorcycle safety.
Motorcycle safety is important and is a shared responsibility on the roadways. When a driver has been negligent, a personal injury claim for damages may help the motorcycle accident victim recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages.
