When riding a motorcycle, there’s no barrier between yourself and the open road. It is this false sense of invincibility and freedom that makes motorcycles so dangerous. During a collision with another vehicle, motorcycles provide very little protection and the results are often fatal. In 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported the death of 4,612 U.S. motorcyclists. The most recent reports show that motorcycle fatalities have increased a further 9% from 2011 to 2012. Most Kansas motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of automobile drivers who violate the right-of-way of motorcyclists. However, there are several motorcycle safety tips for drivers of all vehicles to remember to help reduce these tragic accidents.
Motorcycle Safety Tips are Here to Help All Drivers
When driving behind a motorcycle in your automobile, give them twice as much space as you would a car or truck. Also keep in mind that experienced motorcyclists use their wet clutch, so you won’t see any brake lights if they slow down. Check all your blind-spots and be extra attentive of the motorcycle’s position related to your car. Activate your turn-signal in advance to let motorcyclists know you’re changing lanes. A motorcycle’s turn signal doesn’t automatically switch off after turning, so be extra cautious and don’t assume anything if their turn-lights are flashing.
If you’re a motorcyclist, be aware of the fact that you’re harder to see than other vehicles. Don’t split the lanes, even during stopped traffic. There’s no need for excessive speeding, ignoring lights, or aggressively weaving in and out of traffic. When there’s inclement weather (such as ice, snow or rain) — take it easy! Motorcycles handle bad road surfaces worse than other vehicles. One of the most obvious motorcycle safety tips is wearing a helmet when riding. The NHTSA reports that helmets reduce the chances of a crash fatality by 37%.
Brave Law Firm specializes in four types of motorcycle accidents: head-on collisions, lane change accidents, defective road design or hazardous road conditions, and motorcycle design defects. Contact our experienced attorneys for more information on motorcycle safety tips to make the road safer for all drivers!
