Motorcycles and Cars: Tips for Sharing the Road – Part 2

Drivers and motorcyclists sharing the roads responsibly is something we are very passionate about at the Majors Firm. We have seen so many tragic motorcycle and car accidents that we would be more than happy to never see one again. Yet we know accidents are inevitable. They are part of life.

To that end, we have created a two-post series of blogs discussing how drivers and bikers can safely share the road this spring and summer. The first post addressed the topic from the car driver’s perspective; this post will discuss the bike rider’s perspective.

We began the previous post by explaining to car drivers how bikers are harder to see. This is something you already know as a biker, but it bears repeating. Understand that when car drivers cut in front of you it is rare that they do so on purpose. They just do not see you. So rather than getting mad, be thankful that you averted another accident.

Wear Proper Clothing

The single biggest thing you can do to share the road with car drivers safely is to wear the proper clothing. Dark leather may be the coolest thing on two wheels, but it is terribly unsafe. Make a point of wearing bright colors during the daylight hours – even if that means just a bright orange or green T-shirt. At nighttime, wear light colors along with at least one or two pieces of reflective clothing.

Maintain Your Lights

You can enhance the effects of your clothing by maintaining all of your lights. Before you get on your bike and ride, check to make sure your headlight, tail light, and turn signals are all working properly. Also be smart and ride with your lights on at all times. Remember, your biggest risk is not being seen. If you can increase visibility by riding with your lights on, doesn’t it make sense to do so?

Ride Responsibly

In our previous post we reminded car drivers to treat bikers with respect. After all, car drivers and bikers must follow the same rules of the road. But now we are talking to bikers. And to you we say, ride responsibly.

Please don’t weave in and out of traffic just because your bike is small enough to do so. Don’t ride along the shoulder of the highway because you don’t want to sit in a traffic jam. Please do not speed, either. All three of these unwise and illegal practices put you in jeopardy. It is not worth it just to get where you are going two minutes quicker.

Ride Commensurate with Weather Conditions

Finally, you know the weather affects your bike in ways that car drivers know nothing about. A rain-soaked roadway is an invitation for you to lose traction and dump your bike in the middle of the road. So in rainy conditions, slow down. Take your turns more slowly and cautiously. A little rain doesn’t bother car drivers, but it could be deadly for you.

Along those same lines, also understand that inclement weather makes drivers of all kinds of nervous. Allow room for that. If car drivers are going slow and driving with their flashers on, give them plenty of room. Also understand that nervous drivers make bad decisions. So again, give them wide berth.

In the event you are involved in an accident, the Majors Firm is here to help. Give us a call and let’s talk about your case. As specialists in motorcycle accidents, we can represent you before insurance companies and courts. We will make sure your rights are protected at all times.