Vehicle accidents are nearly 20 times more deadly when there is a motorcyclist involved. Motorcycle riders don’t have the protection of the steel casing of a car or truck when there is an accident. For that reason alone, it should be the responsibility of all drivers on the road to exercise caution around motorcyclists.

In many cases, motorcycle accidents are not caused by the rider. Those who ride regularly are licensed and acutely aware of the risks they are taking and often drive with much caution. The lack of visibility and car drivers’ negligence is more likely to cause an accident that the riders themselves.

Adopting these safety tips can help you avoid an accident that could be fatal for a motorcyclist. Even a moderate accident can result in a rider consulting with a motorcycle accident lawyer that can cost you a bundle. Let’s take a look at a few ways that car and truck drivers can help keep the roads safer for motorcyclists.

Stay Focused

Motorcycles aren’t as easy to spot as some of the larger vehicles on the road. For this reason, you must keep your attention focused on all the other drivers on the road. Distracted driving has become one of the top causes of vehicular accidents. Talking or texting on your cell phone and taking your eyes off the road for just a quick moment can result in a fatal accident. 

Keep your phone out of reach and always use the Bluetooth feature when it’s necessary to use your phone. Taking your eyes off the road and drivers around you for just one second to dial or text can be deadly. If you need to answer a call immediately, it is best to stop the car and take the call.

We all love to cruise along with our favorite tunes on the radio, but music that is turned up too loud can affect your ability to drive safely. When you turn your music down, you are better able to hear the whine of a motorcycle coming and become more aware.

Blind Spots

Every vehicle has blind spots that need to be navigated while on the road. Motorcycles don’t take up much room and can be tough to spot if you rely only on your mirrors to drive. Although it’s essential to make sure that all of your mirrors are correctly adjusted each time you get in the car, there are other precautions you need to take.

Always physically check your blindspots, whether you are close to a motorcyclist or not. If you have a passenger in the vehicle, have them take an extra look to let you know when it is safe to move into a new lane. Don’t forget to have an extra look in your mirror once you’re parked and ready to get out of your car if a motorcyclist is coming.

If you own a vehicle equipped with the latest safety technology, ensure that your alert systems are turned on. Your lane assist and blind-spot alerts can help you stay more aware of when a motorcyclist may be near your vehicle.

Keep Your Distance

If you are waiting to turn onto a road and a motorcyclist is coming in your direction, it can be tough to judge the distance and speed at which they travel. Due to the compact nature of a motorcycle, it’s not uncommon for the traveling rate to be underestimated. Many accidents occur when cars turn out too late in front of a motorcycle because of a misjudgment of the space they have to cover. When you see a motorcycle coming, unless there is a significant amount of room, let them pass before you turn out into traffic.

Slow Down

When you share the road with a motorcyclist, you must take both yours and their safety into consideration with your driving style. Following too closely to a motorcyclist can be dangerous. When the weather conditions are poor, give them lots of room to maneuver, as slick roads are more dangerous to them than they are for you. When you are going through a construction area, keep your speed down and remember that any small bumps or debris on the road could mean a wipeout for a rider.

Safety on the roads is everyone’s responsibility. When you share the road with motorcyclists, it’s essential to stay alert, keep a close eye on what is going on around you and give them space. Raising your awareness and becoming more educated about motorcycle safety on the road can help protect you and riders from dangerous situations that could put you both at risk.