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The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 5,286 motorcyclists were killed on our roadways in 2016. Some of the accidents were single-vehicle accidents, but many involved other vehicles, such as automobiles, SUVs, trucks, and vans. Drivers are required by law to take proactive actions to avoid accidents when sharing the road with motorcycles.

What should motorists do when sharing the road with motorcycles?

The NHTSA recommends the following 10 tips:

1. Always check blind spots – According to the NHTSA, this is the most important action drivers need to take, and not checking blind spots is the number one cause of motorcyclist fatalities. Motorcycles are difficult to see, but taking the extra time to check may save a life. Before setting out on the road, all motorists are urged to check their rear-view mirrors to be sure they are adjusted correctly.
2. Be extra cautious when passing – Passing motorcycles is different from passing other vehicles. When vehicles pass, they create a gust of wind as they increase speed. This wind could cause a motorcycle to become unstable and go off the road. Motorists need to use turn signals and make sure there is a safe distance between their vehicle and the motorcycle before returning to their lane.
3. Motorcycles react more quickly than other, larger vehicles – Motorists are urged to keep a safe distance when traveling behind motorcycles to avoid rear-ending them and causing accidents.
4. Weather changes – Florida’s rains and wind have a more drastic affect on motorcyclists than other drivers. Motorcyclists can often lose control of their motorcycles. Other motorists need to be particularly careful when there is inclement weather.
5. Night-riding can be treacherous for motorcyclists – Motorists need to increase the following distance, and make sure high-beams are turned off when approaching a motorcycle at night. Also, the NHTSA recommends not passing motorcyclists at night.
6. Stay in your lane – It is illegal to share a lane with a motorcycle, and doing so can cause accidents.
7. Inform motorcyclists of your intention to turn – When changing lanes, motorists should use their turn signals when motorcycles are sharing the road.
8. Intersections are danger zones – Motorists need to follow the safety protocol every time they approach an intersection because many accidents involving motorcycles occur there. The protocol says: come to a complete halt; view and obey posted traffic signs and signals; look both ways for approaching traffic, and proceed slowly.
9. Watch for turning motorcycles – Many motorcycles do not have the self-cancelling turn signals that became standard in the late 1970s. If motorists see that a motorcycle is driving with an activated turn signal for an abnormal distance, they should increase their following distance to allow them to react more quickly if the motorcyclist does decide to turn.
10. Take a second look at left-turns – Always take a second look for approaching motorcycles before making a left turn. When collisions with motorcycles happen during a left turn, the motorcycle often t-bones the vehicle while it is mid-way through the left turn. 

“Motorcycle accidents are particularly dangerous given the lack of protection for motorcyclists. Every motorist must be aware that motorcycles may be present on our roadways and act accordingly. If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact us. We are available to assist you 24/7,” said Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.