In the United States, a motorcycle accident claimed the lives of 5,014 riders in 2019, accounting for around 1% of all motorcycle accidents. 103 of those 5,000 fatalities occurred in Colorado, making up 3% of all vehicles on Colorado’s roadways but 23% of all fatalities there. The following advice will help reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities to zero when driving a car or truck and keep an eye out for motorcyclists. Continue reading to find out how to drive safely around motorcycles:
Be Conscious Of Your Environment
For a variety of reasons, including their compact size and more nimble control, motorcyclists like their bikes. Motorcycles, however, can be difficult to perceive in blind zones because of their small size. While driving, make sure you are completely aware of your surroundings and on the watch for motorcycles.
Observe Motorcycle Laws
It’s critical to be knowledgeable about the motorcycle regulations where you live. Do your homework to find out the local motorcycle laws if you’re new to a city or state. This action can assist prevent infractions and safeguard pedestrians and motorcycle riders on the road.
For instance, Colorado requires everyone who rides or rides on a motorbike to wear a helmet. The safety helmet needs to adhere to both federal and state safety regulations set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Therefore, safety helmet straps must fit snugly without allowing for excessive movement, which could compromise safe driving and put the wearer’s face structures at risk in the event of an accident.
Know The Basic Safety Requirements
Motorcyclist should put safety first. To safeguard your safety, either wait till the rain stops before you drive or reschedule your journey. Wear luminous clothing if driving in severe weather is inevitable. Wear safety equipment, such as knee and elbow pads. Additionally, check the condition of your motorcycle before you drive, particularly over long distances, check the brakes, the oil, and other critical components. Never operate a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, either of which can make you feel sleepy or lethargic.
Maintain Your Distance
Motorcycle riders can reduce their speed by downshifting or letting off the gas, which prevents their brake lights from turning on. On slick pavement, they cannot stop as rapidly either. Make sure to allow motorcycles additional room when following them.
Recognize Signaling
Did you realize that, unlike in a car, a motorcycle does not automatically signal? Make sure they’re going to make that turn or lane change rather than assume they will because many motorcycle riders forget to turn off their signal after making a turn.
Turn Off Your Headlights
Headlight glare is substantially worse for motorcyclists. Dim your headlights if you’re following a motorcycle at night so they can see where they’re going.
Avoid Drinking And Driving
Of course, this is for everyone’s protection, as drunk drivers can cause some horrendous tragedies that affect motorcycle riders as well. If you drink, make sure there is always a designated driver in place.
Extra Caution In Terrain Change
A car or truck can handle changing terrain better than a motorcycle. A passenger car may be able to navigate construction, pebbles, or other changes in a road’s make-up with ease, while motorcycle riders can be fatally injured.
Reduce The Volume
It’s simple to assume that because a motorcycle is noisy, you will instantly hear it, but loud music, animals, and even young children are frequently louder than motorcycles. Keep your volume down while driving so that you can hear the other drivers around you.
Final Words
The incidence of motorcycle crash can be significantly decreased by following the aforementioned advice, which emphasizes the importance of being aware of motorcyclists around you. In the unfortunate event that you were engaged in a motorcycle accident, a Denver motorcycle accident attorney will be able to guide you through the legal process, ensure that you receive fair treatment, and assist you if you were also involved in a car accident.