As the weather warms, you may see more motorcyclists out enjoying an afternoon ride in the sun. Sharing the road with motorcycles is nothing new, but motorcycle accidents still commonly occur on Indiana’s roadways.
Here are a few tips to help you and the motorcyclists around you stay safe on the road this summer.
1. Check your blind spots
Because motorcycles are so small, blind spots are a notorious culprit in motorcycle accidents. Before switching lanes, turning or passing through intersections, use your side and rearview mirrors to check behind you, and look carefully ahead to ensure no motorcyclists are present.
2. Keep a safe distance
Adhering to the one-car-length rule when following a motorcyclist can give you enough reaction time to avoid rear-ending them. In addition to being safer, keeping a reasonable distance is just good manners.
3. Look in every direction twice
A motorcycle’s small profile can make them difficult to see. Double- or triple-check every direction before accelerating away from a stop sign or turning.
4. Avoid abrupt passing
Cutting a motorcyclist off on the road is dangerous. If the rider does not have adequate time to react, this action may result in catastrophic injury. Allow multiple car lengths of distance between you and the motorcyclist before entering their lane. Additionally, avoid passing in front of a motorcycle when you plan to turn immediately after.
Remember these tips for safely sharing the road with motorcycles next time you go for a drive. Your responsible driving habits might save a life.
