Motorcycle Awareness - Tips for Drivers to be Watchful of Motorcycles

Winter weather here in Connecticut is giving up its hold on the cold and with warmer temperatures revving up, motorcycle enthusiasts are taking it to the streets. Now that the highways and back roads are busy with bikes and BMW’s, trucks and tractor-trailers learning to travel together sensibly is a positive step in ensuring the safety of all.

Generally, motorists know to look for other cars on the roads, not motorcycles. To share the road safely drivers need to be watchful of motorcyclists.

Research has shown that 75% of motorcycle fatalities have involved a passenger vehicle, and two out of every three of these fatalities were the fault of the driver in the other vehicle not that of the motorcyclist.

What can you do to avoid being part of these statistics?

Give the motorcyclist a full lane to ride in and allow the same room when passing as you would a car.

Pay attention when making a left turn, at intersections and when changing lanes. Most crashes, about 42%, occur when the cyclist is traveling straight and the other vehicle is making a left turn.

It is difficult to judge the speed of a motorcycle. Give yourself extra time and room when making lane changes. Don’t rush to make a left turn if you see a cyclist coming. Use your signal lights, this clearly lets the cyclist know your intentions.

Cyclists will maneuver around obstructions that a car wouldn’t have to, such as potholes, wet leaves, railroad tracks and debris. Expect that this will occur.

Check your blind spots before changing lanes. Be aware that large vehicles such as tractor-trailers, SUV’s and vans can block your line of sight.

Don’t discard cigarette butts out windows, use ashtrays. Flying debris can distract a rider (specifically if it is ignited and falls on the rider).

Don’t follow too close. Be prepared should the rider need to avoid road problem areas. Most motorcycles, when driven at the proper speed, can stop in a shorter distance than a car; will you have enough room between you and the motorcycle if it must stop quickly?

Teach your teen drivers, and yourself to respect motorcyclists.

There are approximately 65,000 registered motorcycles on the roads of Connecticut, according to the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis from 2010, report almost 4,500 motorcycle deaths nationwide, 52 of these were in Connecticut.

Consider this an insurance policy that you don’t have to pay extra for. Do what is necessary to lower the statistics. Learn how to drive safely with motorcycles. Many insurance companies offer incentives to their drivers who educate themselves on motorcycle safety and awareness.

Though, Motorcycle Awareness Month is every May, warmer weather from March through November (and often into December) is sure to get the motorcycle engines revving. It is important to stay sharp and remain alert. Drivers and riders alike want safety on the roads. Develop a safety trigger that reminds you to pay attention and watch out for riders on two wheels. My safety trigger is putting the car key in the ignition.