Motorcyclists have the best of all worlds—and the worst—while traveling on today’s highways. Whether you ride a motorcycle or not, some of the benefits are obvious; for instance, while protective gear is meant to be exactly that, it also lends a certain air of cool to those riding the roads and highways on two wheels—not to mention the willingness to eschew the conventional car and all the comforts it has to offer. Riding a motorcycle also offers a wide range of health benefits. This type of activity is not for the weak though, and every workout makes the motorcyclist stronger, working the entire core and the rest of the body too.

Unfortunately, motorcycling isn’t always just about fresh air and a friendly atmosphere out on the road. Drivers are often stressed about getting to their destination on time, and some may be irritable in general. This can lead to an accepted attitude of quasi-belligerence on the road, rather than the opposite, and what is much needed: courtesy. When traveling the roads today, it is critical not only that you follow road signs and signals, but also treat everyone with the same amount of respect. Cars may rule the roads in terms of numbers, but everyone has the right to be there.

As much as motorcyclists may be admired for their seemingly carefree demeanor, they also receive equal amounts of stereotyping and negative behavior toward them while riding with the masses of conventional cars and trucks. Practice common sense and basic good manners on the road to keep everyone safe, and when motorcycles are in your midst, follow these tips:

Always doublecheck your blind spots – while this is always important, motorcyclists can be difficult to see as they are smaller and may shift in their lanes.

• Watch those lane changes – always use your signal, check your blind spots, and be careful to avoid colliding with a motorcyclist.
• Be extra careful when turning – this is when many accidents occur, and travelers who are in a hurry or used to traveling the same path every day may not look closely and notice a smaller vehicle. This goes for pedestrians and bicyclists too, as fatalities are on the increase for those groups in traffic as well.
• Practice caution at intersections – those left turns are known to be the most dangerous for travelers like motorcyclists. While they should work to be as visible as possible, remember that this is one of the hotspots for accidents and extremely defensive driving should be exercised by all.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the attorneys at Heintz Law. We’ve helped victims from Bradenton, Sarasota, and all over Florida get compensation for their damages and medical expenses after accidents. Call us for a free consultation now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!

All blogs are written on behalf of Heintz Law for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.