Drivers should watch out for motorcycles and help keep them safe

Unfortunately, many drivers are unaware of how to keep motorcycle riders safe on the roadways and do not take the time to ensure they are safely sharing the roadway with motorcyclists. Legal protections are in place to help protect motorcycle accident victims injured by negligent drivers who have failed to take their safety on the roadways seriously.

The vast majority of motorcycle accidents occur in intersections. In many of them, drivers have failed to spot a motorcyclist and violate their right of way. Whenever a driver is making a left-hand turn, they should check twice for motorcycles to make sure their path to turn is clear. The number one cause of fatal motorcycle accidents is when vehicles turn in front of motorcycles. Failure to yield the right of way to motorcycle riders is the most frequent error drivers make that leads to motorcycle accidents.

It is always important to allow motorcycles to have their complete lane of traffic and allow them room to adjust to road conditions as they may need to navigate around potholes or other roadways debris. Motorcycles may have to quickly adjust to poor roadways conditions so it is important for other drivers to give them adequate space to maneuver and to adjust their following distance accordingly. Motorcycles are smaller visual targets and are also less protected on the roadways so drivers need to adhere to safety precautions to help keep them safe.

Because motorcycle riders can be vulnerable on the roadways, it is important for them to be aware of the legal options available to them if they are injured by a negligent or careless driver. Legal remedies and resources can help them with the damages they suffer in an unexpected motorcycle accident.