Motorcycles are Everywhere…Share the Road

Tips for Motorists

• Research and state-level data consistently identify motorists as being at fault in over half of all multi-vehicle motorcycle-involved collisions.
• NHTSA-funded research has shown that people behind the wheels of passenger vehicles are distracted more than 50 percent of the time.  Road users should never drive, bike, or walk while distracted.  Doing so can result in tragic consequences for all on the road, including motorcyclists.
• It may seem inconsequential, but improperly using a vehicle’s rear-view and side-view mirrors contributes to collisions, particularly with smaller vehicles like motorcycles.  With roughly 40 percent of a vehicle’s outer perimeter zones hidden by blind spots, improper adjustment or lack of use of one’s side-view mirrors can have dire consequences for motorcyclists.
• If you are turning at an intersection, and your view of oncoming traffic is partially obstructed, wait to see around the obstruction, sufficiently scan for all roadway users (pedestrians and motorcyclists included), and proceed cautiously.  Slow your decision-making process down at intersections.
• If there are large differences in speed among vehicles in traffic, one’s reaction time and ability to assess and respond to a potential collision, such as a lane change, are significantly hindered. When approaching a congested roadway, being diligent in modifying one’s speed to match that of the cars in traffic can be a lifesaver, particularly for motorcyclists.
• Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width. Though it may seem like there is enough room in a single lane for a motor vehicle and a motorcycle, looks can be deceiving. Share the road, not the lane: a motorcyclist needs room to maneuver safely.
• Because motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, they can be difficult to see. Their size can also cause other drivers to misjudge their speed and distance.
• Motorcycles’ size also counts against them when it comes to blind spots. Motorcyclists can be easily hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Always look for motorcycles by checking your mirrors and blind spots before switching to another traffic lane.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows motorcyclists to anticipate your movement and find a safe lane position.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle—it may not be self-canceling, and the motorcyclist may have forgotten to turn it off. Wait to be sure the rider is going to turn before you proceed.
• Allow more follow distance – three or four seconds – when following a motorcycle; this gives the rider more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. Motorcycle riders may suddenly need to change speed or adjust lane position to avoid hazards such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.

Tips for Motorcyclists

• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and use reflective tape and gear to be more visible. Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect your brain in the case of an accident.
• Be sure your motorcycle helmet meets the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Look for the DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet. While all motorcycle helmets sold in the US must meet the federal standard and have the DOT certification label, some retailers sell “novelty helmets” that do not meet safety standards and will not protect you in a crash. Fake DOT labels are also being sold to put on these unsafe helmets. Purchase from a reputable source.
• Never ride while impaired or distracted—it is not worth the risk of killing or injuring yourself or someone else. Plus, a DUI costs $10,000 on average and can lead to jail time, loss of your driver’s license, and higher insurance rates.

Please ensure that you are properly covered and that your auto and motorcycle insurance policies are up-to-date.  Feel free to Contact Us at Murphy Insurance for more information.