Sharing The Road With Motorcycles

As we enter May, spring is a welcoming relief. It is also a time when motorcyclists are preparing for the open road, which is why May has been declared Motorcycle Safety Month.

Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic for a rider, who only has protective clothing and gear to serve as a buffer from the impact of colliding with a vehicle or object, such as a guardrail or wall. Transportation officials hope that by promoting motorcycle safety throughout the month of May that it will remind all drivers – vehicle drivers and motorcyclists – that they share the roads with each other and must all do their part to prevent accidents.

Over two-thirds of vehicle-motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers, not by motorcyclists. The driver either does not see the oncoming motorcyclist at all or does not see the motorcyclist in time to avoid an accident. The reason is because drivers tend to look for other vehicles, not motorcycles which are significantly smaller. Motorcyclists have a different driving pattern, too. They need to avoid more obstacles than a driver; a piece of debris may be deadly if a motorcyclist hits it.

Drivers and motorcyclists alike can avoid accidents with a few safety tips:

Drivers:

• Remember that motorcycle have the same privileges of any vehicle on the roadway.

• Be aware of motorcyclist at intersections, when a motorcyclist may be making a left turn, and on the highway, when a motorcyclist may be changing lanes.

• Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuver: Obstructions that you do not notice may be deadly for a motorcyclist.

• Don’t follow too closely behind a motorcycle; allow plenty of room.

Motorcyclists:

• Make yourself visible and use protective gear. A motorcycle helmet is the most valuable piece of protective gear. Wear bright, contrasting protective clothing.

• Ride where you can be seen. Avoid the driver’s blind spots. Make your lane moves gradually.

• Never share a lane with a vehicle.

• Signal before changing lanes and never weave between lanes.

Motorcycle riders can also use the “SEE” method to safety.

Search surroundings for potential hazards

Evaluate possible hazards

Execute the proper action to avoid them.

Increased awareness by everyone on the road will result in greater safety. Ride smart, ride safe and enjoy the season.

Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide legal finance cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by a plaintiff involved in pending, personal injury litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.