Motorcyclists are far more likely to suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries in road accidents. As an automobile driver, you can help decrease the chances of such accidents occurring by following a few simple guidelines behind the wheel.
It can be tempting to try to share a motorcyclist’s lane with them, especially when they are close to the curb. However, bikers are legally entitled to have the lane to themselves and as an automobile driver, you should always avoid doing this.
Keep in Mind…
Remember to signal in time to give a biker time to react when you are turning. Motorcycles have different centers of gravity and their operators may not be able to adjust as quickly to your behavior as you think.
Another factor that can lead to an accident is following too closely. Motorcycles have less momentum than automobiles and can stop more quickly than they can. When cars are right behind them, a biker who brakes suddenly can be badly injured in a rear-end collision.
Sometimes a driver may notice that a biker’s turn signal has been on for a long time. Many motorcycles don’t have an automatic shut-off feature for their turn signals, and it’s safe to assume that in such cases the bike operator may simply have forgotten that it’s on.
Hales & Associates, Attorneys Can Help
Finally, remember that road conditions such as ice and snow can affect bikers much more severely than they do automobile drivers. Give bikers plenty of time to react when road conditions are poor, and—above all—always pay extra attention and use extra caution whenever you notice motorcycles on the road. If you are a motorcyclist who has been involved in a crash with an automobile or other vehicle, call a knowledgeable California motorcycle accidents attorney today.