Sharing the Road—Bikes and Cars

In a perfect world, all drivers and bikers are responsible. They signal appropriately (according to the DMV, that’s 100 feet before making a turn), brake smoothly and slowly, and never run stoplights. Of course, with the number of accidents and personal injury claims that are reported on a daily basis — it’s safe (or rather, unsafe) to say that we don’t live in a utopian society where all rules created by the DMV are followed. When sharing the road with other people driving their cars and riding their motorcycles, it is important to be very careful of your actions. Besides avoiding texting while driving, try to avoid from assuming everyone else on the road is going to follow the general “no-brainer” rules of safety that you’re following.

Tips For Sharing The Road

When riding your motorcycle, it’s important to keep an eye on your surroundings and the traffic. Stay alert, aware, and react appropriately to hazards e.g. unexpected break lights, cars that are speeding and/or swerving, and traffic merging into your lane (this is especially dangerous when those merging don’t utilize their signals). As a motorcyclist, those driving cars don’t as easily spot you on your Harley as they would a large brown station wagon. Your bike might fit perfectly in someone’s blind spot, so remember to keep a safe distance from other vehicles.  Keep an eye out for erratic drivers, e.g. those that merge into different lanes of traffic rapidly (not one by one, as suggested), and drivers that ignore the speed limit as if it’s the Daytona 500. Motorcyclists are exposed to the dangers of the road in ways car-drivers aren’t. Therefore, they should remain vigilant and on their guard, for motor vehicle accidents involving motorcycles occur on a daily basis.

Those driving cars should avoid all of the behaviors listed above, not only for their safety, but also for the safety of others. Furthermore, they should pay extra attention to any motorcyclists they share the road with. Do not tailgate a biker or try to share lanes with him or her. Due to their size, motorcycles can be hard to spot, making it sometimes difficult to pinpoint their distance from you, and their speed. Car-drivers should be cautious and observant for any motorcyclists nearby. Drivers should also be sure to change lanes or merge at a reasonable pace and always signal their intentions beforehand. An accident that results in a few scratches or dents in your bumper could lead to serious — and often fatal — injuries to a biker.

In essence, both bikers and drivers should realize that they are sharing the road with each other, and operate their mode of transportation responsibly.  Drivers of cars and those that ride motorcycles have the right to be on the road and travel without the threat of an accident. It is up to every motorist on the road to drive carefully and remain observant to avoid all possible accidents.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, contact the Tampa Motorcycle Accident Attorney at the Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne and 911 Biker Law are here to help. Visit our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm for a free case evaluation.