3 tips for sharing the road with motorcyclists

Trying to drive safely when you have motorcyclists on the road with you can be tough. Motorcyclists may be harder to see, and their driving actions may seem unusual compared to your own.

It’s important for you to take the time to understand how to be safe around motorcyclists. After all, if you do get into a crash with a motorcyclist, there is a significant chance that they could be badly hurt or even killed.

Motorcycles are unique vehicles

Motorcycles are unique vehicles, and it’s the reality that they are more challenging to see than other kinds. Motorcyclists behave differently than other drivers, such as by weaving within a lane, so that they take up space and better protect themselves. Unfortunately, those behaviors may seem odd to other drivers and actually cause misunderstandings on the road.

Motorcycles can easily fall into a larger vehicle’s blind spot, which is another significant issue. Check your mirrors and along the side of your vehicle. To be safer, you need to be aware of these differences and to take action to prevent collisions.

How can you share the road with motorcyclists?

If you want to do a better job of sharing the road with motorcyclists, there are three things you can do.

1. Always check your blind spots. Look in your mirrors and turn to look to the side before merging into another lane or turning.
2. Never pull out in front of a motorcyclist who seems to be approaching quickly. Sometimes, due to their size, motorcycles appear to be moving more slowly than they are. This leads to crashes. Be patient and allow the motorcyclist to pass before turning.
3. Actively look for motorcyclists. Since they’re on smaller vehicles, they could be harder to see. Look for single headlights and listen for the sound of a motorcycle to make sure you have a clear path before merging or turning.

Motorcyclists have the right to be on the road like anyone else. Taking precautions will help you avoid a crash due to not seeing a rider or not being aware of the risk of a motorcyclist on the road.