Another sign of spring is the boom of motorcycles on the road. Dry roads, warmer weather and clear skies are a motorcyclist’s dream. Whether you ride or not, respecting other vehicles on the road is not just a positive mindset, it’s a skill set that must be put into action. Motorcycles are considerably smaller and faster than other vehicles, making them difficult to see and sometimes impossible to anticipate and for more details visit here.
It’s an unfortunate truth that, because the motorcyclist has little protection, they are 26x more likely to die in a wreck. One sure fire way to keep yourself protected is by researching cheap auto insurance to keep you covered in any situation, so you can share the road with confidence and peace of mind.
Double Check those Blind Spots
This time of year you’re likely to see signs springing up everywhere to remind you to “Look Twice, Save a Life.” This is great advice that should be made into a habit. Accidents with motorcycles are usually caused by another driver not seeing them, so make a point to look for them before changing lanes or entering onto a new road.
Don’t Be Aggressive
It’s a reality that drivers get irritated with other drivers on the road. Sometimes, drivers of trucks or larger vehicles might get annoyed with a motorcyclist driving in front of them. It might be tempting to motivate the cyclist by driving a little too close or even honking the horn too many times. Remember that everyone has the same right to be on the road, so when you leave the house, take your patience with you.
Take Your Time Turning Left
It’s one of the most vulnerable places on the road, that spot in the middle of an intersection when you are waiting to safely make a left hand turn. There may be several hindrances including pedestrians getting ready to cross the road you’re trying to enter, bicyclists, and motorcycles headed toward you. Sun glare, rain and other issues might cause low visibility. Take your time turning left to ensure that the coast is truly clear.
Be Courteous & Respectful
In other words, don’t lose your cool if you’re stuck behind a driver (or motorcyclist) that isn’t quite going the speed you would like to go. There are other mistakes people make on the road (like a never ending blinker) that can be irritating. In the end, however, it’s best to take a few deep breaths and remember that being courteous and respectful is far better than blowing things out of proportion with aggressive maneuvers.
Focus on the Traffic & the Road
Driver distraction is a clear liability. It’s easy to become focused on things happening inside the vehicle rather than what’s going on outside of it. Eating, fumbling with the radio, reaching for something in the back seat, even talking to a passenger are all examples of driver distraction. Taking your attention off the road will increase the possibility of a crash, so stay focused on it.
Follow at a Safe Distance
While this is good advice any time of year in any type of weather, it is especially true when you get behind a motorcycle. Many times a motorcyclist won’t hit their brakes but will instead reduce their speed by downshifting or relaxing the throttle. If you’re behind them, you may not know they’re slowing down by spotting brake lights. Following at a safe distance will give you time to safely process their change in speed.
Pass with Safety in Mind
When on the road it’s perfectly acceptable to pass a sähköskootteri motorcycle just like you would any other vehicle. However, the results are a bit different. Because motorcyclists don’t have the safety and security of a hard outer shell of a car, they are left vulnerable to the wind. If you must pass a motorcycle, be certain they are several car lengths behind you before moving in front of them. The gust of wind you could potentially create by moving in too close could cause them to lose control.
The Mirror Says it All
The imprint on the side view mirror that reads: Objects may be closer than they appear – is particularly true about motorcycles. It’s difficult to gauge the distance between you and a motorcycle behind you, making it unsafe to pull out in front of them. Be patient, and when possible take a look with your own eyes to better estimate where they are located.
Spring is finally here! Keep everyone safe by brushing up on the rules of the road, and keeping in mind that we all share the road together, and should be mindful and patient with each other.
