Nearly everyone has an opinion about motorcycles, whether good or bad, but we can all agree that road safety is priority. Hearing that loud rumbling engine approaching may fill you with a sense of excitement and even admiration—especially if you are an aficionado. If you are a parent, you may see one motorcycle or a group of them and instantly begin spouting accident statistics and warning your kids about road rash. No matter how you feel about motorcycles though, like everyone else—you should take extra precautions to avoid an accident with one.

Most of us are out on the roads for the same reason. We want to get from point A to point B safely, and on time. This means sharing the road and driving defensively. While motorcyclists should always take extra safety precautions due to their vulnerability on the road, so many more accidents could be prevented with further education about sharing the road safely. Thousands still die in motorcycle accidents each year, with the greatest danger being other motorists.

Here are five important tips to make the roads safer for motorcycles:

1. Always be very aware when turning left, and especially if you see that a motorcycle is approaching from the other direction. While turning left can sometimes be a risky move (without a green arrow directing drivers to proceed), it is even more so when a car is turning but completely fails to see a motorcycle driving straight ahead.
2. Don’t fall into the trap of only noticing other cars and trucks on the road. Lack of visibility is one of the most common reasons cited for accidents with motorcycles. Be aware of everyone on the road, as well as checking your blind spots. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians may all be easy to miss, whether on a side street or busy highway, because they are smaller in size.
3. Slow it down. While most of us are aware that speed kills on the road, there may be times when you are in a hurry or forget to monitor your speed. Follow speed limits and traffic rules, and avoid others (including motorcycles) who are driving recklessly.
4. Be particularly aware of how closely you are following a motorcycle, as well as keeping an eye on any that may be following behind you. Give more than sufficient time for braking.
5. Take even further precautions in bad weather, remembering that not only is the motorcyclist perhaps getting rained on or fighting wind while riding, but they are also exponentially more vulnerable should they have an accident. If it is stormy and/or the roads are slick, give the motorcyclist a wide berth, as well as more notice regarding a turn or a stop. It is important to do the same in other areas like construction zones too.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact the attorneys at Heintz & Becker. 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 & Becker for informational purposes. These articles should not, however, be considered legal advice, or in any way responsible for creating an attorney/client relationship.