How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents In the Spring & Summer
With the weather warming up, more motorcycles can be seen on Indiana’s roadways. When you’re driving, it’s important to keep an eye out for motorcyclists. Even though they’re riding the bike, you as a motor vehicle driver play a key role in preventing motorcycle accidents too. Here’s what you need to know.
Look Twice for Motorcycles
When you look around your car to determine whether you can make a turn or merge into a lane, don’t just look once — look twice! Motorcycles can be hard to spot, especially at nighttime. Make a point to look specifically for motorcycles any time you are driving, particularly if you’re making a left hand turn. The number one deadly accident for motorcycle riders is when a car turns in front of them.
Allow Motorcyclists to Weave
Although it can be annoying when motorcyclists weave in and out of traffic and in between cars, it is better to allow them to do so than try to cut them off. Keep in mind that there may be a reason that the motorcycle is swerving in and out of traffic — it may not be because they’re trying to get ahead of you. For example, they may be avoiding potholes in the road that could cause significant damage to their motorcycle or even cause them to have an accident — whereas hitting a pothole in a car does little more than create a bump in the ride.
Leave Extra Space In Between You and the Motorcycle
When driving, it’s a good idea to leave at least one car length between you and the vehicle in front of you for every 10 mph you are driving. Give a motorcycle rider a little bit more space than that. Motorcycles can stop very quickly, whereas a motor vehicle takes much longer to reach a stop. This is more true if you are driving a pickup truck or a large commercial truck.
Avoid Accidents Whenever Possible
Because a motorcycle accident has such a higher risk of serious or fatal injuries for the rider, it’s worth the extra time and attention to avoid an accident whenever possible. If you or a loved one were hurt in a motorcycle accident, it’s important that you obtain legal representation as soon as you can. Contact the Sarkisian Law Offices today for a consultation to discuss your case in detail at 219-942-7171.
