Safety Tips for Motorcycles and Vehicles Sharing the Road This Summer
Texas weather allows people to take their bikes out for a significant portion of the year, but the summer months are popular for riders across the U.S. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents commonly make the news despite the fact that they can almost all be avoided. Since motorcycles, passenger vehicles, and semi-trucks have to share the roads, every driver is responsible for avoiding these types of accidents. If you were hurt while riding your motorcycle and you believe another driver is at fault, call an attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your rights.
Whether you are a motorcycle rider, average driver, or a trucker, consider motorcycle safety this summer.
Tips for Motorcyclists
There are certain dos and don’ts of riding a motorcycle, including:
- Buy a bike that fits you: Motorcycles come in various sizes. Make sure your feet can rest on the ground while you are seated on the bike and you can easily reach the handlebars. Bigger is not always better. If your motorcycle is not the right size for you, it will be difficult to control;
- Wear your helmet: Texas law requires riders under the age of 21 to wear a helmet. Head protection reduces the risk of a concussion or deadly traumatic brain injury. Minor accidents for riders without helmets can lead to serious head injuries when they do not have injury could be prevented;
- Do not drive between vehicles: It is dangerous for motorcycles to drive between two other vehicles unless there is an open lane – so no driving down the white line; and
- Be aware of blind spots: We know vehicles have blind spots and usually, the bigger the van, SUV, or truck, the bigger their blind spots. Motorcyclists need to avoid these areas on the road.
Tips for Other Motorists on the Road
Many motorcycle accidents are caused because of the other vehicle’s error. Either the motorist was not paying attention or did not see the biker. To avoid motorcycle accidents, vehicle drivers need to take certain steps:
- Actively watch for motorcycles: The reason car and truck drivers cause motorcycle accidents is because they do not expect motorcyclists to be on the road. If drivers are only looking for other cars, vans, and trucks, they will skim right over the motorcycles near them. Actively looking for motorcycles is crucial when making a left hand turn in traffic – vehicles turn in front of motorcycles they do not see too often;
- Give motorcycles space: Motorcyclists have to maneuver their vehicles differently than cars, trucks, and vans. Bikers may swerve within their lanes to avoid potholes or debris or to get out of another vehicle’s blind spots. If other vehicle give them space, motorcyclists can safely drive in their lanes. This also means leaving more room between a bike in front of you to reduce the risk of rear-ending someone with much less protection than a driver in a car; and
- Check your blind spots: Most motorcycle riders are aware of your blind spots and avoid them, but this is not always possible. It is up to you to double check your blind spots as best you can before changing lanes or turning.
If You Are Injured, Call Us Today
If you were hit by a car or truck while riding your motorcycle, contact The Bettersworth Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. Our dedicated New Braunfels injury attorneys understand your medical expenses are probably adding up while you are unable to work. We will fight for you to recover your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Source:
http://www.txdot.gov/driver/share-road/motorcycles.html
