Motorcycle accidents can result in serious, and even fatal, injuries to motorcycle riders. As a result, is important for drivers to practice safe driving habits to help keep motorcyclists safe on the roadways, especially as the weather gets better moving into the summer months.
Safety tips drivers of passenger vehicles can observe to help keep motorcycle riders safe on the roadways and avoid motorcycle accidents include:
- Keep an eye out for motorcycles – a failure to yield to motorcycles is the most common driving error committed by passenger vehicle drivers in accidents that happen between motorcycles and passenger vehicle accidents. Because motorcycles are smaller visual targets, and can be more difficult to spot on the roadway, it is essential for drivers to be on the lookout for them. Drivers need to watch for motorcycles at intersections, when changing lanes and look for them in their blind spot.
- Increase following distance – motorcycles may need more time to safely adjust to unexpected roadway, weather or traffic conditions such as potholes, uneven roadway surfaces and rain. As a result, it is important for drivers of passenger vehicles to increase their following distances and help keep motorcycle riders safe.
- Give motorcyclists adequate space – in addition to needing more time to respond to roadway hazards and changing conditions, motorcyclists may need more space to safely do so. As a result, passenger vehicle drivers should never attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle and should give them the complete lane they are occupying.
If an inattentive or unsafe driver causes a motorcycle accident that results in injuries, they may be liable to help injured victims and their families with their medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. A personal injury claim for damages can help motorcycle accident victims recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional injuries against a negligent or careless driver.
