Proactive Tips for Motorcyclists and Drivers HOW WE CAN ALL SHARE THE ROAD AND SAVE LIVES
4. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course: Even experienced riders can benefit from a refresher course. A motorcycle safety course can sharpen your riding skills and teach you advanced techniques for avoiding accidents. For drivers: Share the road responsibly. 1. Check Twice for Motorcycles: Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than cars, which can make them harder to spot. Always check twice before changing lanes or turning at intersections — a second glance can save a life. 2. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Give motorcycles more space than you would another car. They can stop faster than passenger vehicles, and tailgating can lead to catastrophic results if a sudden stop is necessary. 3. Use Turn Signals: Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This not only alerts motorcyclists of your next move but also helps prevent collisions. 4. Respect Motorcycle Lane Rights: Motorcycles are entitled to the same full lane width as any other vehicle. Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle, as this can be incredibly dangerous. 5. Don’t Drive Distracted: It’s all too easy to get distracted behind the wheel, especially with smartphones. But taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds could result in an accident. At 55mph, a car is traveling at 80 feet per second. Looking down at your phone or any other distraction means your vehicle will travel the length of a football field in under four seconds. That’s enough time for a light to change or a car near you to brake or change lanes, making collisions more likely. Safety is a 2-way street. Motorcycle safety is not just the responsibility of motorcyclists; it’s a cooperative endeavor that drivers must participate in as well. This Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, let’s pledge to be more mindful of our two-wheeled companions. Together, we can reduce accidents and ensure that everyone enjoys their ride safely. Remember, the road is there to be shared!
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a crucial time to highlight the shared responsibility of motorcyclists and drivers to keep our roads safe. Bikers are at a much higher risk of fatality after a collision due to their exposure. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed in 2022 that motorcyclists were 22 times more likely than car passengers to die in a crash. It’s vital we all do our part to save a life. Whether you’re behind the handlebars or the steering wheel, here are essential safety tips to help everyone arrive safely at their destinations. For motorcyclists: Gear up for safety. 1. Wear the Right Gear: A DOT-approved helmet is a must, and it’s wise to invest in jackets, pants, gloves, and boots specifically designed for motorcycle riding. These can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in case of an accident. 2. Be Visible: Increase your visibility to other road users. Wear bright or reflective clothing and ensure your motorcycle’s lights are functional and bright. Remember, one of the most common reasons drivers collide with motorcycles is because they didn’t see them. 3. Ride Defensively: Always assume that other drivers don’t see you. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and stay out of blind spots, especially near larger vehicles. Be extra cautious at intersections where motorcycle accidents are most likely to occur.
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