It doesn’t seem to matter whether you are on a backwoods county road or right in town, it is easy to feel put off by the way some drivers operate their vehicle. But, when it comes to motorcycles, much of what you may perceive as reckless or dangerous actions may actually be for the sake of the motorcyclist’s safety. In other words, some motorcyclists operate with more precautions than you may have guessed. Next time you are on the road, do your part in helping keep them safe and consider the following tips:- Approach intersections with heightened caution: It is not uncommon for motorcyclists to become lost behind construction equipment or other obstructions. Fatal accidents are also likely to occur in situations in which the other vehicle was turning left while the other motorcyclist was going straight through the intersection. Whether coming to a stop at an intersection, turning or changing lanes, try to take an extra second or two to process your actions before you make them.
- Keep an extra eye out: You likely have a good feel for your blind spots. But motorcycles are much more likely to become lost in your field of vision than other vehicles – even in areas in which you might otherwise see a car. Note also that when motorcyclists weave their vehicle in and out of lanes, they are usually not driving recklessly but, in fact, trying to avoid getting caught in a blind spot.
- Understand how they operate: You do not have to know how to ride a motorcycle to understand how they operate differently than a car or truck. When motorcycles slow down, for example, they are more likely to coast gradually to a stop and downshift than they are to immediately use their brakes. This means that you will likely not see their brake lights right away.
Accidents involving motorcycles account for thousands of road deaths each year. Taking a few extra steps to ensure a safe road for all vehicles can do wonders in protecting the life and well being of another driver.