Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month: What You Should Know

As the weather warms up, we can expect to see more motorcycles on the road. That’s why May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month—an initiative started by the American Motorist Association to highlight the importance of keeping our roadways safe for both drivers and motorcyclists.

Tips for Riders

Safety Gear

Motorcycle gear is essential regardless the length of your trip. Proper gear protects you from the elements, debris, and your body in the event you get into an accident. Make sure you own a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, gloves, boots, pants, and a jacket.

Be Visible

You cannot assume all drivers can see you on the road. Be sure to avoid staying in a vehicle’s blind spots, wear reflective clothing, and use signals to properly switch lanes.

Be Observant

It’s critical to be aware of your surroundings while on the road. The possibility of potholes, hazards, and debris on the road is always high. Keep your head up, keep your distance, and take on all bumps and railroad tracks with caution.

Being Safe as a Driver

Keep an Eye Out

Motorcycles are not the same size as our cars, so they blend into blind spots pretty well. Check your mirrors and blindspots frequently before changing lanes.

Keep a Safe Distance

Braking systems on motorcycles are different as downshifting doesn’t activate the brake light. You should always allow at least three to four seconds worth of following distance when you’re driving behind a motorcycle.

Practice Proper Lane Shifting

Proper lane shifting means using your signal to let other motorists know where you’re heading. When you do not signal properly, you don’t allow motorists to prepare themselves, which could lead to a multi-vehicle pile-up.

As both drivers and motorists, you must obey the rules of the road to keep others safe. As much as this sounds like common sense, people need a reminder. . Use your signals, follow the speed limit, and avoid lane splitting at all costs.

Motorcycle and Car Accident Attorneys

We hope this blog provides both car and motorcycle drivers with some great tips before hitting the road this summer. If somehow you do end up getting into a motorcycle or car collision, we recommend calling our attorneys at Cunningham Bounds as soon as possible.

You can call our office today at Cunningham Bounds or visit our Contact Us page to get started on your free consultation.