How to Help Prevent Collisions with Motorcycles
Riding is an exhilarating activity that many people enjoy, but it does have its dangers. With some of the best motorcycles routes in the country, North Carolina is a haven for many riding enthusiasts. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are at an increased risk of accident; The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that motorcyclists are about […]
Riding is an exhilarating activity that many people enjoy, but it does have its dangers. With some of the best motorcycles routes in the country, North Carolina is a haven for many riding enthusiasts. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are at an increased risk of accident; The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than passengers of a car to die as a result of a crash.
There are several simple and important steps you can take as a motorist to decrease your risk of being involved in a collision with a motorcycle and potentially save a life.
Always be on the alert for motorcycles. It is much easier to accidentally overlook a motorcycle on the road than it is to overlook a car, and we all know how easy it is to miss a car in the blind spot. Because motorcycles are smaller and generally have more maneuverability than cars, it can be harder to spot them on the road. The majority of motorcycle and car collisions occur simply because the driver just didn’t notice the motorcycle until it was too late.
Keep in mind that there are many more motorcycles on the road during the warmer months. During the spring, summer, and fall months make sure that you keep a watchful eye out for motorcyclists.
Always use your turn signals, no exceptions. This can make the difference between life and death. Motorcyclists rely on turn signals to let them know when it is safe to cross and when they need to keep their distance. This step becomes even more important considering how easy it is to accidentally overlook a motorcyclist. Even if you do not see other vehicles on the road, you should always use your turn signal.
Avoid distractions while driving. Texting or talking on your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous to you, but greatly diminishes your ability to spot other drivers on the road and avoid hazardous conditions.
Be mindful when entering crossroads and intersections. Make sure to look left and right, and don’t be it too much of a hurry. The majority of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, when drivers simply fail to pay attention to their surroundings. When making left hand turns it even more critical to check for motorcycles because of decreased driver visibility.
Stay at least four car lengths behind motorcycles on the road. Motorcycles have a much shorter stopping distance, so you should always allow yourself enough space to stop in time in the event of any hazards.
Remember that responsible driving habits last a lifetime, and keeps everyone on the road safe.
Daggett Shuler, Attorneys at Law, principal office is based at 2140 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104. The firm handles personal injury claims including serious injuries, automobile accidents, workers’ compensation and social security disability. If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of accident call Daggett Shuler for a free confidential consultation at 336-724-1234.
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