There are several different safety precautions and behaviors drivers can follow to help keep motorcycle riders safe. Drivers should do their part and understand how they can help keep motorcycle riders safe. Additionally, motorcycle accident victims should understand how the legal process can help protect them when they have been harmed by a negligent driver who failed to follow safety precautions on the roadways.
Do not follow too closely
Drivers of passenger vehicles should never follow too closely behind a motorcycle. Increasing their following distance when traveling behind a motorcycle provides added reaction time for motorcyclists, which may be required if the rider needs to adjust quickly to changes in roadway, traffic or weather conditions.
Do not share a lane with a motorcycle
Because motorcycles require more time to adjust to roadway, traffic and weather changes, as well as other unexpected conditions, drivers of passenger vehicles should never try to share their lane of travel.
Double check for motorcycles at intersections
It is a good idea to always double check for motorcycles but this can be especially important at intersections, which is where the majority of motorcycle accidents take place. When a car causes an accident with a motorcyclist, the number one driver error is a failure to yield the right of way to the motorcycle. Drivers of passenger vehicles should remain alert and focused and continually scan the roadway for motorcycles, especially at intersections and when turning left.
In general, drivers should never drive while distracted. However, because motorcycles are smaller visual targets and are less protected, it is even more essential for drivers of passenger vehicles to keep an eye out for them. When a careless driver has failed to provide for the safety of motorcyclists, a personal injury claim for damages against the negligent driver may help the motorcycle accident victim recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages.
