How To Drive Safely Around Motorcycles

With all the beautiful roadways in Connecticut, motorcycle riding can be quite enjoyable. However, motorcyclists have to be especially vigilant when traveling with other vehicles. At the same time, automobile drivers have a responsibility to be on the lookout for motorcyclists as well.

In the majority of cases when an automobile collides with a motorcyclist, the fault lies on the side of the motorist who violated the motorcyclist’s right of way. One major reason for this is that motorists have trouble seeing motorcyclists who, compared with the entire mix of traffic, are generally low in number. With so few motorcyclists on the roadways, drivers may not be aware of the safety precautions they should take. This lack of knowledge increases the chances for an accident.

Additional factors such as glares, blind spots, weather and distractions can interfere with a driver’s ability to see motorcycles and their riders. Other vehicles, light patterns and roadside objects also tend to hide a motorcycle from a motorist’s view. Common driver distractions such as texting, talking on a mobile phone, adjusting a radio and eating can lead to an accident as well. Drivers should remember that motorcyclists are more vulnerable to sustaining injuries in a crash.

Anyone who operates a vehicle is required by law to act reasonably to avoid injuring other drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Although motorcycles may be difficult to see, drivers should practice extra caution when sharing the roadway with them. Motorcyclists who suffer serious injuries because of a negligent driver might want to pursue damages with the assistance of a personal injury attorney.