Autumn foliage and milder temperatures will inspire many motorcyclists to take to the roads in greater numbers over the coming months. Understanding and anticipating the behavior of motorcyclists and other drivers can help prevent accidents and fatalities. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) encourages everyone on the road to “S.E.E.” their surroundings:
“S: Search for factors in the area
E: Evaluate the potential risks and options
E: Execute with control and precision” The organization offers these 10 facts about motorcycles that car and truck drivers should understand in order to improve the safety of everyone sharing the roadway:
- “There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t ‘recognize’ a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.
- Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
- Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.
- Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
- Motorcyclists often slow by down-shifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.
- Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.
- Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
- Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
- Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop ‘on a dime.’
- When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.”
Previously on the D.C. Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
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