What Drivers Should Know About Motorcyclists

As the weather gets warmer, more and more motorcyclists are strapping on their helmets and hitting the road. Here are a few safety tips to help drivers share the road with motorcyclists.

• It's important to LOOK for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection. They are small and can often be missed.
• Motorcycles are small. Because of this, they may look farther away than they really are. It can also be difficult to judge a motorcycle's speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into or out of a driveway, know that a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
• Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car's blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to carefully check traffic, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
• A motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don't assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.
• Motorcyclists tend to slow down by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance (3-4 seconds). At intersections, know that a motorcyclist may slow down without a visual warning.
• Turn signals on a motorcycle aren't usually self-canceling. Thus some riders, especially beginners, can forget to turn the signals off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.
• Motorcyclists often adjust their position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off.
• The ability to easily maneuver is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.
• Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement can make stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle.
• When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as motorcycle - think of it as a person.

For more information about motorcycle safety and motorcycle insurance, contact us today! We're CounterPoint Insurance, an independent insurance agency based in Bedford, New Hampshire. We are also happy to offer free motorcycle quotes!