Why didn’t I post this on my biker blog? ‘Cause motorcycle safety is everyone’s business. The motorcycle driver, the passenger, and the cars on the road…we all share the responsibility of the road.
That being said here are ten things EVERY car & truck driver (as well as passengers) should know about motorcycles:
- There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at intersections.
- Because of its size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It is also typical to misjudge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
- Because its smaller, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
- Because its smaller, a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
- Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 to 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without any visual warning.
- Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginner riders) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.
- Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
- Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
- Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”
- When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.
The more road responsible everyone is the better our roads are.
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