Motorcycles dominate the road more than the community credits, and understanding how best to drive around them will reduce motorcycle accidents exponentially. As these smaller vehicles have greater flexibility in how they move through the roads, drivers need to exercise specific techniques to avoid accidents and injury to riders. In this article, we outline the best practices for driving safely around motorcycles, sharing our tips to prevent collisions with this style of vehicle.
Understand motorcycles may come from ‘nowhere’
Without a moment’s notice, a motorcycle may appear beside your vehicle, in front or behind you. While some drivers assume that they appeared from thin air, more than likely they have weaved through the traffic lanes and have reached you reasonably quickly. This isn’t an unusual driving style for motorcycles, so there is no reason to be alarmed or assume you’re likely to have an accident. Motorcycles can become quickly entangled in accidents, even smaller not-at-fault fender bender accidents simply because the driver has become startled by their sudden appearance on the road.
Allow motorcycles to overtake you
Due to their slimline nature, motorcycles can easily weave past traffic and into the first driving spot of most traffic situations. Where not at fault car accidents are likely to occur between the car and the bike is when the vehicle driver tries to fight the overtake, swerving to stop the motorcycle’s access to the clear road. Allow motorcycles to push through the traffic and past you, as they are looking for clear space away from cars, where they can safely ride and avoid road hazards without the risk of an accident.
Extra caution while changing lanes
Head and mirror checks are essential for changing lanes on the road, but never more important when there is a motorcycle close. As we mentioned earlier, motorcycles can move position exceptionally quickly, so you must add extra caution as you move lanes. Ensure you have utilised your indicator with enough time, long enough for the rider to see, and for you to move slowly between lanes. Avoiding jerky lane moves is best, as this unpredictable behaviour can lead to an accident quickly.
Caution your braking habits
Much like that of a not-at-fault accident with the car behind you, it’s easy for quick braking to cause road accidents. As motorcycle riders don’t have the safety measure drivers do, simple accidents caused by quick, unexpected braking can cause severe bodily damage to the rider. When motorcycles around you, ensure you’re braking with ease, avoiding quick stops and erratic motions.
