Spring has sprung and as the weather turns warmer, more Kentucky motorcyclists will be on our roads and highways. Not having a vehicle surround you gives motorcyclists a feeling of freedom, but it comes with a much higher risk of serious injuries or death than passenger vehicles. There are steps all of us can take to lessen the chances motorcyclists end the day in a hospital.
What Can Vehicle Drivers Do to Prevent an Accident with a Motorcyclist?
Drivers can take several steps to avoid causing an accident with a motorcyclist and make roads safer for everyone, including the following:
- Motorcycles are smaller than everything else on the road and can easily disappear in your vehicle’s blind spots. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging into traffic. Double check the oncoming lane before taking a left turn. Motorcyclists are often struck in this situation because drivers don’t notice them coming their way
- Motorcyclists need more room than other vehicles to maneuver, especially when turning or coping with road hazards. Avoid tailgating and give them a safe distance
- Show your intentions early and clearly by using your turn signals when turning at an intersection or changing lanes. Motorcyclists around you need time to adjust their positions or speed given where you’re headed
- Don’t drive while distracted. Pay full attention to the road. Texting, talking on the phone, or being distracted by anything else can prevent you from noticing motorcyclists, especially in heavy traffic
- In bad weather conditions (rain, fog, snow, etc.), motorcyclists will have difficulty controlling their bikes. Slow down, allow them more space and give them more time to react
- Motorcyclists are more affected by road conditions like potholes, gravel, or wet roads. When driving, be extra cautious around these hazards, and avoid sudden maneuvers that could catch a motorcyclist off guard. You should also be aware of motorcyclists slowing down or engaging in evasive driving if a road has potholes or frost heaves. Driving over them may damage your car. A motorcyclist striking one may cause a loss of control and propel them off the bike
Being attentive, patient, and courteous can prevent reducing accidents involving motorcyclists and other drivers.
What Can Motorcyclists Do to Prevent an Accident with a Vehicle?
Motorcyclists can be proactive to reduce the risk of accidents with vehicles and ensure their safety by doing the following:
- Always wear bright or reflective clothing, including helmets and jackets, so it’s easier for others to see you. Use your motorcycle’s lights, even during the day, to make yourself more visible to other drivers
- Don’t ride in the blind spots of other vehicles, especially large trucks or SUVs. If you can’t see the driver in their mirror, they likely can’t see you
- Always be aware of your surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and ride defensively. Be alert to other drivers’ behavior and adjust your riding accordingly. Assume that other drivers may not see you or may make sudden maneuvers
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to allow yourself enough time and space to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. Avoid tailgating, because you won’t have enough time to respond if the driver ahead of you hits the brakes
- Intersections are dangerous and common spots for accidents. Approach them with caution, even if you have the right of way. Be prepared for drivers who may not see you or fail to yield
- Always use your turn and hand signals when changing lanes or making turns. This communicates your intentions to other drivers, helping to prevent confusion and accidents
- Lane splitting (riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic) is dangerous and illegal in Kentucky. If you do it, you risk running into a vehicle changing lanes in front of you
- Wear appropriate clothing, including a full-face helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. If you’re in an accident and wearing this gear (especially a helmet), it may significantly reduce the severity of your injuries
- Don’t drink and ride. Given how little room for error there is when riding a motorcycle, even mild impairment can result in a deadly mistake
By taking these precautions, motorcyclists can reduce their chances of being involved in a vehicle accident and increase their safety on the road. Given Kentucky’s comparative negligence laws, the more precautions and care you use when riding, the more you may obtain in a settlement or lawsuit verdict if you’re injured in an accident.
Speak To a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Have questions about your legal rights to compensation after you’re injured in a motorcycle accident? If so, contact The Fleck Firm at (270) 446-7000 and schedule your free consultation. We’ll discuss your accident, how Kentucky law may apply, and your best options. Insurance companies have lawyers. You should have one, too.
