Drivers can help keep motorcycles safe on the roadway and should know how to do that. When a driver is negligent, on the other hand, and injures a motorcyclist, they may be liable for the harm they caused the victim.
Ways to keep motorcycle riders safe
There are several ways drivers can contribute to safety of motorcycles on the roadway including the safety of motorcyclists and others they share the roadway with including:
- Not driver under the influence or while distracted – drivers should never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, they should not drive while distracted which includes refraining from cell phone use while driving, texting while driving and other types of distracted driving behaviors such as grooming or reading while driving or operating a radio or navigation device while driving.
- Maintain alertness while driving – it is important to always be on alert for motorcycles while driving. It can help to ask passengers to be on the lookout for motorcycles as well. Keep the radio volume in the car set at a low level can also be advisable. Keeping an especial watchful eye out at intersections for motorcycles is also helpful.
- Give motorcycle riders extra space and time – motorcycles can require more space and time to respond to changing road conditions so drivers around them should give them time to do so.
- Be especially cautious of motorcycles in certain areas or conditions – motorcycles may face additional challenges in bad weather or in construction zones where the roadway can be uneven or unpredictable. Drivers should give motorcycles riders plenty of room to navigate in poor weather or roadway conditions.
There are a variety of ways that drivers can help keep motorcycle riders safe and avoid motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accidents victims may have legal options when drivers do not account for their safety and are careless on the roadway which they should be familiar with.