With the warmer weather come more riders and cyclists on the roads. This is a crucial time for drivers to be more alert and prepared to take additional driving precautions to help keep everyone safe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has named May the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the League of American Bicyclists has recognized May as National Bicyclist Safety Month to help educate the public about how drivers, riders, and bicyclists can share the roads safely.
Sharing the Road: A Guide to Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety
Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, or motorcyclist, sharing the road responsibly is key to preventing accidents and saving lives. That means practicing respect for others on the road and prioritizing safety over convenience.
Here are some important tips for drivers as well as riders and cyclists to help keep everyone safe:
For drivers:
- Stay alert. Always be vigilant and attentive while driving. Avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio. Keep your eyes on the road and be aware of your surroundings, including cyclists and motorcyclists.
- Check blind spots. Motorcycles and bicycles can easily disappear in a vehicle’s blind spots. Before changing lanes or making turns, double-check your blind spots to ensure there are no cyclists or riders nearby.
- Maintain a safe distance. Give motorcyclists and cyclists plenty of space on the road. Maintain a safe following distance and avoid tailgating, as sudden stops or maneuvers can be more challenging for them to navigate.
- Use your signals. Proper signaling is essential for communicating your intentions to other road users. Signal well in advance before turning or changing lanes, allowing cyclists and riders to anticipate your movements.
- Be patient and respectful. Remember that cyclists and motorcyclists have a legal right to share the road with other vehicles. Exercise patience and show respect toward all road users, regardless of their mode of transportation.
For cyclists and motorcyclists:
- Wear protective gear. Always wear a helmet when cycling or riding a motorcycle. Additionally, consider wearing bright or reflective clothing to enhance your visibility to other road users, especially in low-light conditions.
- Follow traffic laws. Cyclists and motorcyclists are subject to the same traffic laws as motorists. Obey speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals, and always ride in the same direction as traffic flow.
- Be predictable. Signal your turns and maneuvers clearly to communicate your intentions to drivers. Avoid sudden movements or weaving in and out of traffic, as this can be unpredictable and dangerous.
- Stay visible. Make yourself as visible as possible to motorists by using lights, reflectors, and reflective gear, especially when riding at night or in adverse weather conditions.
- Stay sober. Never operate a bicycle or motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired riding significantly increases the risk of accidents and injuries for both yourself and others on the road.
By working together and adhering to these principles, we can create a safer and more harmonious environment for all road users. This National Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety Month, let’s commit to sharing the road responsibly and ensuring that everyone reaches their destination safely.
Seek the Help of a Bicycle or Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured by a driver while cycling or riding, it is vital to report the accident to the police, and to seek prompt medical treatment. Document and preserve the evidence from the scene of the accident if you are able and keep receipts and transcripts from all resulting medical care. You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible but do not provide any information to the at-fault insurance adjuster or accept a settlement without first speaking with a bike accident attorney or motorcycle accident attorney.
It is not uncommon to receive an accident settlement that is five to ten times larger with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Call the caring, tireless, and experienced injury attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County and surrounding areas since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
