May 29, 2009

Give Motorcyclists a Break

There is a great deal of talk about distracted driving these days and the passage of state and local laws meant to eliminate it. But inattentive drivers are still a major issue, and for motorcyclists, they can be deadly. A split second of inattention can be enough to create a collision between car and motorcycle, and you can pretty much bet the motorcyclist will come out on the low end of that computation.

The end of Motorcycle Awareness Month is fast-approaching, but the summer is the key riding season in much of the country, so it is not too late to begin thinking about ways you can prevent car-motorcycle accidents. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation urges all car, bus, truck and other motor vehicle drivers to follow these key safety messages:

Look for Motorcyclists Use your eyes and mirrors to see what’s around, and check the blind spots when you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections. Because of their size, motorcycles are often harder to see than cars, and the speed of a motorcycle is difficult to judge. Because of this, vigilance is necessary. When changing lanes and crossing intersections, look and look again.

Focus on Driving Getting behind the wheel is a full-time job that involves life-and-death decision-making, and you’re involved in the decisions you make every minute. Responsibilities like that deserve your full attention, so hang up the phone, put down the MP3 player, settle the passengers and drive. By all means, NO texting when you’re driving.

Use Your Turn Signals Signal your intentions for everyone’s safety. Ask a motorcyclist what he’s thinking when he’s driving in traffic, and he will tell you he’s most often trying to discern what the cars and trucks around him will do next. Make it easy for him or her to grasp your plans.

Give Two-wheelers Some Room Don’t tailgate or pass too closely. Motorcyclists are much more influenced by the driving behavior of others than are those who drive cars and trucks. Give them room to operate.

Take Your Time Nothing is as important as the safety of your loved ones, yourself and those you share the road with. Speeding in close proximity to a motorcycle rider could be the tipping point that will cause him or her to make a steering correction or braking maneuver that could be disastrous. So take your time and make driving safer for you and them.