How Can Vehicle Drivers Avoid Accidents With Motorcycles?

Drivers do not take to the road with the intent to get into accidents, and accidents with motorcycles are no exception. Motorcycle riders notice, as a result of their experiences on the road, certain things that drivers do which can contribute to accidents with motorcycles. Unfortunately, drivers may not be aware of these things, and may not know what they can do to avoid having an accident with someone who is riding a motorcycle.

Motorists can incorporate a few simple safety measures into their driving habits which will help them to be more aware of the presence of motorcycles on the road. If you look twice in each direction before you enter an intersection, you are more likely to notice an approaching motorcycle. Also, always check your mirrors when you change lanes, and every time that you use an on ramp or an off ramp. This will help you avoid entering the path of a motorcycle. Using your turn signals to let other drivers know where you are going enables motorcycle riders and drivers alike to anticipate your vehicle’s movements and respond to them.

There is one driving behavior in particular which causes a high risk to motorcycle riders. This behavior is the failure to yield. Many accidents which involve passenger vehicles and motorcycles involve failure to yield, and these accidents often result in serious injury or death for the motorcycle rider. Drivers must take care to always be aware of their surroundings, and they must yield to oncoming motorcycles just as they would to other oncoming vehicles.

Other tips for safe road-sharing include leaving adequate room between your vehicle and all other vehicles, including motorcycles. Motorcycles sometimes appear to stop suddenly or slow down quickly, and if there is not enough space between your vehicle and a motorcycle, you may end up in a collision. The reason that this happens is that motorcycle riders slow down by downshifting through the gears and then apply the brakes when they need to come to a full stop. If you are driving near a motorcycle, leave at least twice as much distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle as you would leave between your vehicle and any other vehicle. Give motorcycles even more room when you are stopped in traffic, or at a traffic light, because motorcycle riders may need that space to navigate the intersection or get back into the flow of traffic, especially if the road surface is uneven or wet.

Whether you drive a passenger vehicle or ride a motorcycle, the most important rule of the road is to remain aware of your surroundings at all times. When drivers and riders pay close attention to what they are doing, they are able to share the road safely. Accidents are terrible experiences for everyone involved, so it is essential that all drivers and riders do whatever they can to avoid them.

If you have been injured or someone that you love has been killed in a motorcycle accident, you need the assistance of an attorney who specializes in handling motorcycle accident cases. The experienced Tennessee motorcycle accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC would like to learn about your motorcycle accident case. When we speak with you, we will answer your questions, explain your options, and help you choose how to proceed. To learn more, call us at (888) 470-9143 to schedule a time to discuss your case. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we are small enough to care, big enough to fight, and experienced enough to win.

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