Safety For Everyone: Essential Tips On Sharing The Road With Motorcycles
It’s pretty common knowledge that motorcycles are significantly less safe to drive than cars. In an accident, a motorcycle rider is 26 times more likely to die than a car occupant. Because of this inherent disadvantage in terms of safety, the majority of people often end up sympathizing with the motorcycle rider, much to the detriment of car owners.
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Motorcycles are difficult to see, they are extremely lightweight, and they don’t have much in terms of protection. Without the right habits and a proper understanding of how motorcycles work, the chances of getting into an accident with motorcycles is very likely.
So, in order to prevent any accident, you have to follow a few guidelines.
Don’t Be A Bully
While it’s easy to get annoyed when motorcycles are weaving through cars around them, you shouldn’t use the size of your car to assert yourself on the road just because you can.
You have to make sure that you practice defensive driving and to give a bit of headroom for motorcycle riders. Drive like your own kids are in the car with you.
Maintain Adequate Following Distance
Despite the fact that motorcycles are small and nimble and that they are able to maneuver through tight spaces doesn’t mean that you can follow closely.
The primary danger here is that motorcycles themselves are difficult to see, especially because they don’t always have to hit the brakes in order to slow down.
A change in their speed can be difficult to detect because sometimes, all they have to do in order to slow down is to simply lay off the throttle or to shift to a lower gear.
Following too closely means that you have less time to react to this change in speed and you run the risk of rear-ending the motorcycle in front of you.
Check Blind Spots
While this goes for all vehicles, this is even truer for motorcycles given the fact that they are difficult to see. Before merging into a lane, always double check that you aren’t putting yourself on the path of a speeding motorcycle.
Remember that they are incredibly nimble and a crash at those speeds on a motorcycle would almost mean certain death for the rider. Always stay alert.
Be More Alert During Bad Weather
If bad weather affects cars adversely, the same is true for motorcycles, only its effects are doubled. You have to factor in conditions such as slippery roads as well as minimal visibility.
While an argument can be made that riders are highly discouraged from riding out during inclement weather, you may have to consider that there’s a chance that they might not have any other choice but to brave the weather.
So, in this event, you have to give motorcycles added space to allow for corrective actions.
If you do find yourself involved in a motorcycle versus car crash, make sure to check on yourself and your passengers first. Always check on the rider if possible. If there’s a need for legal action, it’s always best to hire specialists like the ones from this motorcycle accident Surrey law firm to represent you in court, should you need it.
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