SHARING THE ROAD WITH MOTORCYCLES
I have family members who often travel our great highways and roads enjoying what only riders understand. All too often you read that yet another rider is killed in an accident. Motorcycles have every right to be on the same roads as trucks and cars. Drivers must pay attention and respect riders and their passengers.
Below are some safety tips based on the law so that we can keep our family of riders safe. I feel a law should be passed where all drivers have to learn to ride motorcycles so they learn to respect and understand how to drive and keep riders safe.
It is illegal to drive besides a motorcycle in the same traffic lane. However, two motorcycle riders may drive side by side in the same lane.
ALWAYS TREAT MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS WITH RESPECT AND COURTESY. THE RIDER IS SOMEONE’S FATHER, MOTHER, BROTHER, SISITER, AUNT, UNCLE, SON, DAUGHTER, AND FRIEND.
PLEASE leave plenty of space between your vehicle and a motorcycle ahead. Motorcycles can usually stop in shorter distances and may have to suddenly swerve to avoid obstacles. If the motorcycle has to swerve and your car/truck is to close, you will be putting the motorcycle rider’s life in jeopardy.
Pass a motorcycle as you would another vehicle, but not so fast or so close that your car/truck throws dirt or stones into the rider’s face, or a draft from your fast moving vehicle blows the rider about causing the bike to swerve or even crash.
Before changing lanes, check to see if a motorcycle is in the space where you plan to move. After you pass, be sure to look again before you move back into the other lane. Way too many motorcycle-vehicle crashes happen when drivers fail to check their blind spots before turning and changing lanes, backing up or even parking.
When at intersections, watch for motorcycles. Their smaller size makes it difficult to judge their distance and speed. ALWAYS exercise caution at intersections and allow motorcycles to clear the intersection before beginning your turn.
The single headlight or taillight of a motorcycle can blend into the lights of other vehicles. Be aware that a single light in traffic may mean a motorcycle is heading in that direction.
When coming up behind a motorcycle, please slow down sooner than you would for other vehicles. Leave plenty of space.
Finally, when pulling out of a side street, remember that an oncoming motorcycle is probably much closer and coming much faster than it appears.
Central Michigan Lawyer, Todd Levitt has been representing Motorcycle riders for more than 17 years.
Todd Levitt , Mount Pleasant Michigan Lawyer can be reached at 989-772-6000 for free consultation.
Please read the above tips and pass along to others so that our family members enjoy the open road and come home safe.