As spring begins more motorcyclists will be taking to the roads and highways of Colorado. It is at this time of year that it is important for motorists to review how to drive safely around motorcycles. The following are four tips for motorists to follow to share the road with motorcyclists.
Check your blind spots
Motorcyclists are smaller vehicles than automobiles. They are less visible, especially if masked by objects on the side of the road or in a motorist’s blind spot. Motorists should always check twice for motorcyclists, especially when changing lanes or turning at an intersection.
How fast is that motorcycle going?
Motorcycles are small vehicles, and they may look further away than what they are. It can also be difficult for motorists to judge just how fast a motorcyclist is going. Before turning into an intersection, out of your driveway or out of a parking lot, understand that a motorcyclist may be closer than what you think.
Keep a safe following distance
A motorcycle’s brake light does not always activate if the motorcyclist slows down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle. Therefore, motorists should leave a three to four second following distance between them and a motorcyclist. It is also important for motorists to be aware that a motorcyclist may be slowing down even if their brake light is not activated.
Is that lane change necessary?
Motorcyclists often need to change lanes for reasons motorists do not. Motorcyclists must avoid debris, passing vehicles, potholes and wind that do not necessarily affect motorists, and thus, they may need to change lanes when a motorist would not need to do so. Motorcyclists are also not as easily able to dodge out of the way as a motorist might be.
Learn more about motorcycle accidents
Motorists have a duty to drive safely around other vehicles. The failure to do so could lead to a devastating motorcycle accident. Motorcyclists injured in a car crash may be able to seek compensation for the damages they suffered. Our firm’s website on car accidents may be a good source of information for those who want to learn more about this topic.