While spring is highly anticipated after a treacherous winter season, it’s now more important than ever to keep everyone safe by being more in tune and aware of your surroundings on the highways and byways. Motorcyclists take to the streets in good weather, creating opportunities for accidents if both parties are not careful enough.
With tips and strategies, it’s easy to prepare yourself for a day on the road, whether it’s on two wheels or four. Researching the most cost-effective motorcycle and getting affordable car insurance is a step in the right direction toward safeguarding yourself against any mishaps that might happen during this busy biking season. Whether you are at fault or not, having comprehensive coverage is vastly important for your car or motorcycle. Coverage aside, let’s get in to effective tips for staying safe.
Tips for Car Drivers
Remember, motorcyclists are intrinsically more vulnerable. However, there are plenty of strategies that can be implemented to help keep the roads safe for everyone.
Always Use Turn Signals
Don’t let other drivers, cars and motorcycles try and guess your next move. When you use your turn signal it isn’t just a courtesy, it’s one cog in the wheel of keeping the traffic machine running smoothly. And since motorcyclists are at more risk of accident than drivers in other vehicles, giving them as much information as possible will allow them to make wise decisions.
Slow Down
When you find yourself on the road behind a motorcycle be sure to slow down. Since cars and motorcycles handle the roadway differently, you’ll want to give them and yourself enough time to react to changing road conditions, changing traffic patterns, darting animals and anything else that proves to be an obstacle.
Be Mindful of Your Blind Spots
Motorcycles are crafty and small in comparison to cars, and can move between lanes more quickly than cars can. As the driver of a regular car, be sure to check visually and via the mirrors whenever you are changing lanes. There is a reason why they are called blind spots, because you literally can’t see in those areas behind you, so before making any moves, make certain you are clear to do so.
Take Special Care with Left Turns
While you should be careful regardless of the type of turn you are making, left turns allow for increased blind spots, and it might be difficult to judge just how fast a motorcycle is approaching. If you’re at all uncertain if you have enough time to make the turn, err on the side of caution and wait.
Be Aware of Your Brights
Drivers sometimes forget that their bright lights are on which can be frustrating to drivers both in front of them and driving in the opposite direction. Motorcyclists are especially prone to the ‘blindness’ that results from high beams, so be vigilant.
Tips for Motorcycle Drivers
Check Your Bike Regularly
Before riding, check to make sure that everything looks in good order, including proper tire pressure and depth, turn signals functioning correctly, good fluid levels, and the foot and hand brakes working accordingly.
Wear Your Helmet
Even though wearing a helmet is not a law in all states, it is still great defense against possible brain injury as a result of an accident. Don’t rely on other drivers to embrace your safety and security, wear a helmet for some risk mediation.
Familiarize Yourself with the Motorcycle
If your bike is new to you, take some time to familiarize yourself with the feel of it. Spend some time in a controlled environment testing your weight on it, how it handles and how it turns, so driving it will be second nature.
Obey the Rules
Staying safe on a motorcycle is easier when the rules are followed. Take heed of speed limits, posted signs, lane markings, and weather conditions. Avoid speeding, cutting off other drivers, and yield the right of way to those who have it.
Watch the Weather
Even though most of the year might be graced with weather that is suitable for bike riding, there are always changes taking place. The last thing you want is to be caught up in a violent rainstorm with no shelter. If you have an extensive trip planned out, keep an eye on the weather a day ahead of time, and allow yourself an alternate plan if the original doesn’t work out.
When motorcycle season arrives, the highways are busier, noisier, and more dangerous. Whether you drive a motorcycle or a car, take the time to brush up on the tips you need to help everyone get home safely at the end of the day.