What Can Drivers Do to Share the Road More Safely?
Check out these safety tips for drivers:
- Be cautious when turning left. Left turns are a particularly common crash configuration due to blind spots. According to a 2019 study by the Federal Highway Administration, visual obstructions were present in 22% of multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcycles. Always make a visual check when turning left (or right!), merging, or switching lanes.
- Pay attention! From the same study, other driver’s lack of attention or distraction contributed to motorcycle crash causation in 43% of cases.
- Give motorcycles more space, not less. Motorcycles are more sensitive to changes in road condition, and they handle differently than other vehicles. Never tailgate a motorcycle—your car needs time to react!
- Always use turn signals. Regardless of whether motorcycles are on the road or not, always use your turn signals to help others on the road anticipate your next move.
- Turn the volume down. When driving with the volume up, drivers lose the advantage of being able to hear what's going on outside of the vehicle.